A look back at Kamala Harris in South Korea as U.S. looks ahead to more provocations by North Korea

EXPLORING KOREA: Stories from Milwaukee to the DMZ and across a divided Peninsula. This special series explores historical sites and cultural traditions from across the Korean Peninsula, building a bridge back to the search for identity in Milwaukee. From the occupation of Korea at the end of World War II, to Korean War veterans in Milwaukee, veterans from Milwaukee who served in later years at the DMZ, adopted South Korean children who grew up in Milwaukee, different waves of the South Korean diaspora who moved to Milwaukee to raise their families, and even a defector from North Korea, their stories share generations of Korean and American experiences. https://mkeind.com/koreanstories

As the presidential campaign for Kamala Harris continues its momentum before the November 5 election, her tenure as Vice President, particularly her handling of complex international issues, has seen limited coverage by the news media.

Among the many defining moments of her vice presidency was her 2022 visit to South Korea and the subsequent Panmunjom incident in 2023, where a U.S. soldier entered North Korea under mysterious circumstances.

On July 18, 2023, a U.S. soldier crossed into North Korea during a tour of the Panmunjom border village inside the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The incident occurred at a time when tensions between North Korea and the United States were already high, with ongoing concerns about North Korea’s missile tests and nuclear ambitions.

The DMZ, a 154-mile-long buffer zone, is one of the most heavily fortified regions in the world. Panmunjom, located within this zone, is historically significant as the site where the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953. The agreement ended the hostilities of the Korean War, but technically North and South Korea remain in a state of war to this day, with the DMZ symbolizing the unresolved conflict.

As Vice President, Harris traveled to the DMZ at Panmunjom to underscore the U.S. commitment to South Korea’s security amid increasing provocations from North Korea. She used the opportunity to emphasize the “ironclad” nature of the U.S.-South Korea alliance.

I cannot state enough that the commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea is ironclad and that we will do everything in our power to ensure that it has meaning in every way that the words suggest. This includes our extended deterrence commitment, which is supported by the full range of U.S. military capabilities, again, as demonstrated right here before you.” – Vice President Kamala Harris, September 29, 2022

Standing near guard towers and security cameras at the DMZ, she observed military installations and was briefed by both U.S. and South Korean soldiers on the situation at the border.

The DMZ also reminds us of the dramatically different paths that the two sides took from those early days. Over the past seven decades, it has been clear: In the south, we see a thriving democracy, innovation, economic prosperity, and strength, a powerhouse — dare I say — on many of these issues, and a force for good in the world. In the north, we see a brutal dictatorship, rampant human rights violations, and an unlawful weapons program that threatens peace and stability. The United States and the world seek a stable and peaceful Korean Peninsula where the DPRK is no longer a threat.” – Vice President Kamala Harris, September 29, 2022

The DMZ is not just a physical barrier, it is a symbol of the wider geopolitical struggle that has defined the Korean Peninsula since the mid-20th century. North Korea, under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, continues to pursue an aggressive military strategy, including the development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology. That has kept the region on edge, with both South Korea and Japan expressing deep concerns about the potential for conflict.

The visit by Harris to the DMZ was part of a broader effort to reassure U.S. allies in the region of America’s commitment to their security. Her meetings with South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and other officials focused on strengthening the U.S.-South Korea alliance and addressing the threats posed by North Korea.

The discussions were not limited to military issues. They also included economic and technological cooperation, as well as efforts to stabilize the region in the face of China’s growing influence.

“Our shared goal — the United States and the Republic of Korea — is a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea was forged in shared sacrifice during the brutal Korean War. Let us remember, Americans and Koreans fought and died together for freedom and for liberty. Thirty-six thousand U.S. service members lost their lives. A hundred and thirty-seven thousand Korean soldiers lost their lives, as did millions of innocent civilians. Nearly 70 years since the Korean Armistice, the threat of conflict remains. And we are reminded that the alliance between the United States and the Republic of Korea stands ready to address any contingency. The commitment of the United States to the defense of the Republic of Korea, I will report, is ironclad. Today more than 28,000 U.S. service members serve shoulder-to-shoulder with our allies here to deter DPRK aggressions and to protect the Republic of Korea and the American people.” – Vice President Kamala Harris, September 29, 2022

As the Harris presidential campaign has expanded in popularity, her experience in Korea has played a key part in her narrative on foreign policy and national security. Her actions during her visit to Korea and her subsequent handling of the Panmunjom incident were examples of her leadership in the face of international crises.

The Harris campaign has emphasized her commitment to maintaining strong alliances, particularly in Asia, where the U.S. faces significant strategic challenges. She has also positioned herself as a candidate who understands the complexities of international relations and who is prepared to defend U.S. interests on the global stage.

The Panmunjom incident stands as a reminder of the unpredictability of global events and the need for a leader who can respond swiftly and effectively. In her experience at the DMZ, Harris witnessed firsthand the realities of the Korean conflict. Her campaign has made it clear that she views strong, principled leadership as essential to maintaining peace and stability in regions like the Korean Peninsula.

Harris has demonstrated her ability to confront international crises with decisiveness and clarity, qualities that are crucial in a world fraught with uncertainty. As the campaign advances to election day, these moments will continue to highlight the capacity Harris has for strong leadership, offering voters a clear vision of how she intends to guide the nation through the turmoil of global politics.