Young Koreans United of USA's response on the Kim Sun Il Tragedy

Members of Young Koreans United (YKU) of USA pray for the repose of Kim Sun-Il's deceased soul and pay sincerest condolences to his family and friends. All Korean Americans and all people who are against war share the sorrow and distress with the family of Kim Sun-Il.

We of YKU of USA would like to say that the Iraqi military organization's retaliation against the U.S. occupation is not relieving the Iraqi situation. The inhumane murder of innocent civilians only adds to the "vicious cycle of violence," which we feel is contrary to the Iraqi people's wish for peace.

That being said, the kidnapping and death of Kim Sun-Il by an Iraqi military organization was an anticipated tragedy when the South Korean government decided to send troops to Iraq. The South Korean government's decision of involving themselves in this wrongful war is driving young Koreans into meaningless deaths. Therefore, we urge the South Korean government to stop sending more troops to Iraq and consider the withdrawal of Korean troops from Iraq.

We also hope this tragedy can be a reminder to the South Korean government and people about the value of peace. We regret that some people are justifying the decision of sending troops to Iraq with the recent inhumane acts by the Iraqi military organization. All the confusion and tragedy happening in Iraq is caused by this wrongful war. If we seek revenge instead of the solution to the problem, we will not be able to step out of this war in Iraq, which will result in more Korean and other casualties. This is what Kim Sun Il and his family also wanted. In his last e-mail to his friend, he condemned the US Army, Bush, Rumsfeld's for abusing Iraqis and wanted to go back to Korea. Also, his parents has consistently demanded South Korean government to withdraw its decision to send the troops to Iraq

We also hope this tragedy can be a reminder to the South Korean government and people about the value of peace. We regret that some people are justifying the decision of sending troops to Iraq with the recent inhumane acts by the Iraqi military organization. All the confusion and tragedy happening in Iraq is caused by this wrongful war. If we seek revenge instead of the solution to the problem, we will not be able to step out of this war in Iraq, which will result in more Korean and other casualties. This is what Kim Sun Il and his family also wanted. In his last e-mail to his friend, he condemned the US Army, Bush, Rumsfeld's for abusing Iraqis and wanted to go back to Korea. Also, his parents has consistently demanded South Korean government to withdraw its decision to send the troops to Iraq.

There cannot be any more innocent victims in Iraq.

Young Koreans United of USA, 6-24-2004