In this episode of Groundings, I speak with professor Haruki Eda to discuss the Korean struggle for sovereignty, the impact of U.S. imperialism on the Korean Peninsula, and the ongoing U.S. Out of Korea campaign by Nodutdol. Haruki provides a deep historical and political analysis, drawing connections between the Korean struggle and global anti-imperialist movements, including Palestinian liberation, African decolonization, and resistance to U.S. hegemony worldwide.
The conversation covers:
✔️ The history of U.S. involvement in Korea, from colonial division to present-day occupation
✔️ The U.S. Out of Korea campaign and its goals
✔️ How Korea remains a key front in U.S. imperialist strategies against China and the Global South
✔️ The economic and social impact of U.S. military presence in South Korea
✔️ The role of South Korea in supporting Zionism vs. the DPRK’s solidarity with oppressed peoples
✔️ How listeners can support Korean sovereignty and anti-imperialist struggles globally
Key Timecodes & Highlights
[00:02:10] – Guest introduction: Haruki Eda’s background as a third-generation Zainichi Korean
[00:06:35] – Introduction to Nodutdol for Korean Community Development and its mission
[00:10:20] – The launch of the U.S. Out of Korea campaign: reasons, objectives, and demands
[00:18:50] – The staggering U.S. military presence in Korea: 28,500 troops & 73 bases
[00:25:40] – How the U.S. uses war games and economic subjugation to control Korea
[00:32:15] – The Korean War: A genocidal attack on Korea’s sovereignty
[00:40:30] – The IMF crisis: How U.S.-imposed neoliberal policies shaped modern South Korea
[00:47:50] – U.S. military crimes in Korea and the role of the UN Command
[00:54:05] – The attempted martial law in South Korea: what happened & why it matters
[01:02:15] – The role of South Korea in supporting Zionism and military-industrial expansion
[01:10:50] – How the DPRK has historically supported African, Palestinian, and anti-imperialist struggles
[01:18:40] – Why the Korean struggle is central to the broader fight against U.S. imperialism
Resources & Further Reading
📌 U.S. Out of Korea Campaign – Website here
📌 Groundings: Juche & Firsthand Account of DPRK episode – Listen here
📌 BDS Korea – Website here
📌 Korea Peace Now Report on U.S. Sanctions – Read here
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