The Death of Kim Sun-il

The series of events culminating in the beheading of Kim Sun-il has prompted some people to wonder if the whole situation wasn't at least partially staged. Nagging questions remain regarding when the kidnapping actually occurred and when it subsequently became known. It appears that Kim was a hostage for at least two weeks before it was announced. This would be contrary to the normal terrorist method, especially since they wanted to trade Kim for assurance that South Korea wouldn't send troops to Iraq. It doesn't make sense for the terrorists to abduct a person, hold him hostage, and not tell anyone until just before they execute him. A discussion of this issue and others has been compiled by Jeff in Korea along with links to other sources following the story. Most engaging, in my opinion, is the transcript of Kim's last words. The message is much more political than personal and has a machine-like quality in its wording.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has initiated a formal investigation on "the role of Kim's employer in reporting the disappearance and a controversy surrounding a videotape that Associated Press Television News received before it was widely known that Kim was missing."

Although questions remain to be answered, one thing is sure. It is that the South Korean people are being shocked into realizing that their place in the world is alongside Europe, the rest of Asia, and the U.S. in the fight against terrorism. They can no longer just watch, they have to participate. The Flying Yangban explains.