Meanwhile Korean royalty continues its web of intriguing stories. A true son is born to the king after 40 years of reigning. As is normal in cases like these, the heir apparent wants him dead along with the aging queen who bore him.

In 1608 the king dies and Prince Kangwha ascends, but not before killing his older brother, and the real son, and the prime minister, plus all who were favored by the last king, and all who wrote written protests. He even "semi-banishes" the queen, and later kills her and her father. It is not only in Communist dictatorships of our day that the need is felt to root out anyone who might be trouble. What a marvel is the American form of government, with all its problems. We simply cannot imagine doing business in this way.

The inevitable relations with Japan begin. But they are controlled in a very strict manner. At first, only the southeastern city of Pusan is to allow any trade with their former enemy.

1618. More familiar dealings. Norachi, a new Manchu leader, threatens both Korea and China . "Mother" China seeks her daughter's aid. The Korean King stalls as China had when besought for help years before.

In 1619 there is a major campaign against the Manchus, but Kangwha tells his generals to befriend the Manchus if they happen to be winning. Politics seems to trump security, as in our own nation quite often.

Eventually, seeing the leanings of Korea toward the Manchus, Norachi wants Korea to break all ties with China. But the King refuses. He simply does not want to take a chance of being friendless in this part of the world. It has been the Korean dilemma all along. Who can be our friend without devouring us?

By 1622 the Manchus have invaded China, and are being victorious everywhere. The King still can't decide what to do. Korean citizens, normally not willing to come against an "ordained" royalty, nevertheless decide to oust this wicked king, and put his nephew, Neung-Yang, on the throne.

As before, all helpers of the deposed king are destroyed. Then there is yet another uprising, put down by the king's forces. Then another. "The land of morning calm" ? Far from it. And so often evil men have been allowed to rule Korea. Today's Kim Jong Il is not exceptional in that sense, though the evil of this particular regime is extraordinary.

In 1625, two traitors sell out to the Manchus in anger against the King. The Chinese intervene. Soon, Norachi goes the way of all tyrants, but his son inherits his ideas and the specifics of his plan of conquest. In 1627 the Manchus finally come to Korea. They could have entered as friends, but instead there is massacre in several towns. As they approach the current capital, Pyongyong, the king vacates the premises.

A strange deal is worked out later in this year. The Manchus demand a treaty but the Koreans demand continued loyalty to the Ming Chinese. This is granted, but there is to be yearly tribute to the Manchus, which group promises to stay north of the Yalu, North Korea's present border with China.

Has Japan decided to stay in the background now? Not at all! Japan rewards Korea for defeating Manchus. But Korea sends the gifts back!

It is now 1636. As the king sides more and more with traditional ally, mentor, and friend China, the Manchus feel they must make a strong statement about Korea's dis-loyalty. They attack. The Koreans totally break with them and hint to the Chinese that they could use some help. Traditional ally, mentor, and friend is silent. There is no response.

Once more the capital must be abandoned. The Royal party is off to Sangwha, the king to Namhan. There is talk of peace but the king decides to fight. The Manchus mount the siege of Namhan/Seoul.

In 1637, yielding to the tremendous pressures, the king sends the message that he will comply and break with Ming. The Manchurian Emperor delays to "teach Korea a lesson." The battle continues.

Finally the Emperor demands: Come out and fight or come out and surrender. But the King cannot come out or his people will reject him as king. He wants terms and a treaty without a public surrender. But Kangwha falls, all the records are burned, and there is no reason to carry on. All the royal officials are captured. Surrender.

And the terms of surrender: Help us conquer Ming. I'll send the crown prince back when the king of Korea dies. Intermarriage of our peoples. Release captives. Tribute.

So the King returns to Seoul. He aids the Manchus in attacking Chinese in Kado. The Chinese then want to know, Korea, our old friend and ally, how could you?

So goes the peninsula. Over and over, near annihilation, but the Korean people survive and prosper. Must be a reason... What does Heaven have in mind?