The Korean government announced to the world, on May 20, 2010, that on March 26th, the South Korean Navy Cheonan – a corvette warship – was attacked by a North Korean-made sonar-tracking torpedo laden with 250 kilograms of high explosives, causing it to break in two and sink, with the loss of life. The government said that it has found an inscription or serial number on a fragment of the torpedo – "1 Beon" (Number 1) – linking it to the North.

New York and New Jersey Koreans are outraged about the findings. Many believed the North was responsible for the sinking of the ship but without proof, remained unsure. "Now we know it's true," said a Korean from the area. "We have to stop this crazy outfit," he urged.

Numerous Koreans throughout the tri-state area, including veteran's groups, also raised strong objections to the attack, calling for a U.N. Security summit, with sanctions against the North, as well as a complete cessation of any support to the regime, urging the South Korean government to assume a clear and strong position against Pyongyang.

On the other hand, many Koreans expressed the view that the situation, although deplorable, is complex and that the South must proceed with caution so as not to incite an already tense situation.

Mr. Peter Sung, the chairman of the Korean-American Veterans Group of the Vietnam War Veteran Association, said, "I guessed it, but today it became clear that North Korea is behind this attack. Now we need to show a strong reaction, including an end to all aid from Seoul, as well as the mobilization of international support for the South in a unified stance against the regime in Pyongyang. Such an outrageous attack cannot be allowed to occur again."

Mr. Jae-gon Jin, the chairman of the Northeast New York Chapter of the Korean War Veterans Association, added, "We no longer accept such provocation from North Korea. We must show a firm stance against the North. We will call for a U.N. Security Council summit and international sanctions against North Korea for the killing of 46 South Korean soldiers."

Again, though not all Koreans are quite so willing to antagonize the North, many do appear concerned that the continued tensions on the peninsula may broaden out to the international level. Moderates suggest a more composed reaction to the attack.

Mr. Jason Kim, director of a wholesale company on Broadway in Manhattan said, "The North continues to provoke the South. As much as it strains to do so, I think we must ignore such provocation. We don't have to overreact with a radical response. We have to consider this incident carefully, especially in light of the international repercussions we could see."

Mrs. Stephanie Park, a housewife in Flushing said, "I am just livid at the North's brutal attitude, but I am also disappointed in the South Korean government. The two states only have an armistice, a ceasefire. Why isn't there better security preparation?  I hope this incident will cause the South Korean government to review and revamp its policies towards the North so that we can all live in safety."

Some young Koreans remain unconvinced that the North was actually responsible for the sinking of the South Korean ship. They say that the proof is insufficient to draw the conclusion that Seoul is broadcasting to the world.

While South Korean investigators, assisted by the United States, continue to search for more detailed proof, the United States has accepted the conclusions announced by Seoul.