Re-think plans of protesting imperial couple’s visit

On the eve of an historic visit by the Japanese imperial couple to Saipan, it perplexes me that any locally-based organization, most notably one with a large number of businesspeople making up its ranks, would choose to openly greet the arrival of visitors with protests. Sadly, that is the intended path the Korean Association of Saipan has chosen to take.

Although I am fully aware of the atrocities that were committed by the Japanese government during World War II, I feel that now is neither the time nor the place to be seeking an apology from the Emperor of Japan. Although I can sympathize with the Koreans and many other nationalities in seeking some closure to the issue, given the island’s indigenous population’s own experiences during the war, I do feel that the negative aspects will far outweigh anything positive the Korean Association of Saipan can naively expect to accomplish with this poorly thought-out protest.

Other than Mr. Seung Baeg Kim and the rest of the directors and participants of the Korean Association getting their 15 minutes of fame in the eyes of the world media, I, along with many in the community—Koreans, Japanese, Chamorro, Carolinian, etc.—can see nothing good coming from the negative publicity this act will surely generate for the islands. God knows, we have had more than our fair share over the years. We do not need to be shooting ourselves in the foot and welcoming more bad press with the likes this act will surely generate.

Don’t get me wrong. Coming from the islands, I have learned that some things are worth fighting for. However, in the grand scheme of things, we have learned that we need to pick our battles wisely, especially when trying to gain the sympathy and support from the rest of the world.

Subjects such as global warming, to name a few, are issues that many can relate to and it’s something many who live on the islands and coastal areas of our planet’s continents can surely relate to. That is an issue that those in the CNMI should voice to the world.

The Korean Association’s plan is not something I am willing to fight for or risk seeing my beloved island’s name dragged through the mud for. Having lived away from the islands for a few years while attending college, I often saw how indifferent people from other countries view the islands and the people that inhabit them.

With that, I think it is safe to say that most South Koreans, with the exception of those that have a vested interest here, will shed little, if any, tears, should the CNMI’s economy decline further from the ramifications of this act. Quite frankly, we stand to face the full ire of a Japanese press and population deeply upset by any mistreatment the Emperor and his wife might receive here, should this organization proceed with their threatened protest.

With the gloomy economic forecast and the potential pullout of Japan Airlines from the CNMI, anything to help generate positive interests in our island, whether small or big, is something many, especially those in the business community, can really use right now. We see the visit of the Emperor and his entourage as a positive step toward generating interest in our islands. The intended protest of the Korean Association of Saipan will not only nullify all the good that might come from it but will surely spawn a backlash, which the islands can ill afford at such a crucial juncture.

To my fellow CNMI residents who have a vested interest in our islands, rest assured, whether we like it or not, we will be made the unwilling party of this protest. The world press, most notably the Japanese media, will not be so kind in reporting what they see here, should the Korean Association of Saipan choose to proceed with their intentions of demanding an apology. If they choose to continue, I, along with a good number of residents, have every intention of boycotting those Korean businesses that are a party to this. I suggest you do the same. This careless act by this organization should not go unpunished.

In a nutshell, Mr. Kim, the actions of your organization are careless and poorly thought-out. Is your organization truly willing to risk further economic turmoil for many of its members who have businesses here? If the threat of a boycott does not faze you, than maybe you should consider the bigger picture. Many residents without money mean fewer customers willing to spend. It’s all simple economics.

If you and your organization feel so strongly about the issue and you really feel that your voices need to be heard, I strongly recommend that you voice it in South Korea. I am sure that Japan will not break off economic ties with South Korea. Japan could not risk such a costly venture. That is truly one of the benefits of coming from an economically prosperous country.

Our islands, on the other hand, cannot afford it! Your fellow Korean businessmen and women of the CNMI cannot afford it! The CNMI business community cannot afford it! The CNMI, in general, cannot afford it! In the end, Mr. Kim, when it is all said and done, even you and your organization will not be able to afford it!

John S. Blanco
Chalan Kanoa