Will Private King Be Used as A Bargaining Chip or a Propaganda Tool By North Korea?
This is the question being discussed in the Korea Times:
Will North Korea use King as a bargaining chip or perhaps a propaganda tool? The reality is, according to Washington experts, that the North is less interested in getting short-term gains by releasing him. However, another question is whether or not he should be viewed as a valuable asset given his low military rank.
“King could either be a bargaining chip or a propaganda tool. If he desires to stay in North Korea for fear of punishment awaiting him in the U.S., he would probably become the latter. Once Pyongyang decides on an approach, they will reply to the United Nations Command’s (UNC) attempts to discuss the matter,” according to the Korea Society director.Over the years, there have been a number of U.S. citizens who have crossed the border separating the two Koreas. These people were mostly human rights activists, missionaries and, from time to time, soldiers. On occasion, based on the weight of each incident, the North Korean regime has used political tactics in its handling of border crossers.
Korea Times
The widely-known cases are the defection of Charles Jenkins and James Dresnok back in the 1960s, both of whom were featured in various North Korean films as “U.S. villains.” In Jenkins’ case, for example, he thought he would be traded to the Soviet Union and then back to the U.S., where he would serve time in jail ― which he preferred over possible deployment to Vietnam. He was held in North Korea for 39 years, where he was tortured and used in propaganda.
You can read more at the link, but I think this decision is really dependent on King. If he is willing and enthusiastically embraces being a propaganda tool than North Korea will probably keep around while he is still useful. The minute he is no longer useful is when they will deport him.
Maybe Private King wants to become the next Alejandro Cao de Benós de Les y Pérez.
He will be used for both, if he survives the loving embrace of the Democratic People’s Republic, it just might get his mind right but most likely not.
We will know in a couple of years when Asian-looking fellows with cameras start showing up at military bases, critical infrastucture sites, and the homes of important people…
…and when questioned by security…
“Sheeeeet, man. I’m just a daaaam tourist. Put yo’ gat ‘way, jive turkey.”
In reality, we will probably see him on TV at some point rigidly saying in halted speech.
“North Korea is my true home where I no longer face the systemic racism and discrimination that America was built upon. Due to the exceptional leadership of Kim Jong-un, all North Koreans are equal and prosperous. I look forward to starting my new life in this land of opportunity, free of oppression.”
And that will be the end of that.
I noticed that Alejandro Cao de Benós de Les y Pérez is listed as a 2nd class friend with 2nd class honor according to his nork ribbons…
And what would be traded for the bargaining chip? A sack of freedom fries?
An ajeossi commissar was visiting a farming commune and asked a halmeoni how the harvest was going.
“Fabulous!” said the halmeoni. “Under King Jong-eun’s glorious rule we have harvested so many potatoes that they could form a mountain that would reach up to heaven!”
“But halmeoni!” said the ajeossi commissar, “You know that there isn’t any heaven.”
The halmeoni shrugged: “There aren’t any potatoes, either.”
Sure he will be taking a swim soon.
Ooooo…
What would drive a person to run across the border into North Korea?
Would you do that over something like a fight or even a dishorable discharge?
That would be silly.
What if your DNA popped up in a stateside ràpe kit?
Would you go back and face that long-term music or would you consider other options?
I am not saying that happened in this case, of course.
But it almost seems like North Korea would be a better option if that ever happened.
Let’s think about this a bit more.