Long-term efforts
The South Korean survivors sought acknowledgement and compensation for the attack over many years. They tried to file a compensation claim in 1960, but the US claims office in Seoul told them they missed a deadline. Korean police warned one survivor not to speak about the events.
In August 1997 they send a petition to South Korea's Government Compensation Committee. In 1998 the South Korean committee rejected the case because it was filed after the statute of limitations expired.
The North and South Korea made a truce in 1953. The undemocratic regime ruled South Korea for decades after 1953. Considering the totality of circumstances, expecting the families to file a petition by 1955 was simply unrealistic.
In August 1997 they send a petition to South Korea's Government Compensation Committee. In 1998 the South Korean committee rejected the case because it was filed after the statute of limitations expired.
The North and South Korea made a truce in 1953. The undemocratic regime ruled South Korea for decades after 1953. Considering the totality of circumstances, expecting the families to file a petition by 1955 was simply unrealistic.
"Those who survived from the massacres lived traumatic lives. They could not speak out because of the oppressive government. They had to live without fathers and continue working to prolong their lives."
- an e-mail interview, Jo Dong Moon, a Secretary General of Korean War Survivors Committee.
Doubtful Inquiry
"the killings that took place there were not deliberate attacks but 'an unfortunate tragedy inherent to war'."
-Pentagon Investigation Inquiry, January 2001
'I think it's almost a rule of political science. The government will always lie about embarrassing matters.... And I think that the Army just chose to try and down play the terrible character of Army leadership in 1950.'
-Pete McCloskey, a decorated Korean War veteran and former Congressman who was an adviser to Pentagon inquiry.