The Effect of Japan's Tsunami on Korea

Writing from Korea, Andray Abrahamian argues that a "possibility for hope has opened up - that of improved Korea-Japan relations" — A silver lining in dark Japan? "For the first time ever, Koreans see the Japanese as pitiable," he writes. "The erstwhile victimizer has suddenly become the victim. Koreans have found themselves in the new position of sympathizing with and being benefactor towards their oft-detested rival."

I have to say, in my fourteen years of living here, I have never been more impressed by my hosts than I now am. It's not an exaggeration to say that they've restored my faith a bit in humanity. My earlier complitaion of news stories — Tsunami Washes Away Korean Animosity Toward Former Colonizer.

UPDATE: Kim Jong-il shells out half a million to Japan.