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Korean Attitudes Toward the United States: Changing Dynamics Edited by David I. Steinberg M.E. Sharpe, 2005; 366 pages.
For over 50 years, since the end of the 1950-1953 Korean War, relations between the United States and South Korea have been characterized at best as harmonious with occasional periods of friction.
Inasmuch as the U.S. and South Korea have strong ties and an all-important security alliance, most of these moments of friction have seen a rise in anti-Americanism or anti-American sentiment, with most of it directed at the U.S. military from SOFA (Status of Forces Agreement) issues to base relocation. On the other hand, changing attitudes in Korea, especially those of the younger generation, have also begun to question the relationship, especially in terms of how it affects inter-Korean relations.
To be sure, there's no question that this growing anti-Americanism reflects some of the changes in Korean society that came to the fore during the 2002 presidential election in Korea. While many Americans might think that any form of anti-Americanism from one of their country's strongest allies would be inconceivable, it cannot be ignored and must be...
