Korean students at two area universities are closely monitoring the tension between North and South Korea.

They're hoping the North's deadly attack on a South Korean island last week doesn't lead to all out war between the countries.

North Korea has yet to explain why it attacked the south on November 23, and that has Hana Jang frustrated.

“It's just really stupid, I want to say, that they're doing this,” she said. “I don't know what they're…like…going for.”

The UW-Stout sophomore is from South Korea. Her parents still live in Geojay. UW-Eau Claire’s Geography Department says that is about 200 miles from the site of the attack.

She says her mother doesn't act like the attack is a big deal during their daily phone conversations.

“I don't know if she's avoiding it or she really thinks it's okay,” Jang said.

A local expert says the U.S. has a lot riding on what's going on in North and South Korea, since South Korea is one of its allies.

The U.S. and South Korea's joint military maneuvers, that are known as "war games,” have been going on since the days following the attack on Yeonpyeong Island.

“It's a catch 22 situation, because if you don't do anything, you're seen as an appeaser.” Stephen Hill said. “If you give them what they want, you're seen as an appeaser.”

Hill, who is an associate professor in UW-Eau Claire’s Political Science Department, says the north needs foreign aid, and that a war involving China, the U.S., and other countries would create a catastrophe for international relations.

Hana says her plans are to go back to South Korea after she graduates, which is also when she says her visa expires.

“It's just a really scary feeling that I have to go back that country,” she said.
She says an escalation of the situation there may force her to find a way to stay in the U.S. longer than she had planned.

It's a decision she hopes eventual peace between North and South Korea will keep her from having to make.

Hana says she prays that leaders of both countries don't make rash decisions.

The United States, Japan and South Korea will hold high-level talks next week to plot a joint strategy on dealing with North Korea.

You can find another area student’s reaction to the tension in North and South Korea by clicking on the link below.