(Image Source: Wikimedia Commons)

BY JIM FLINK

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are again on the rise -- over a Christmas tree.  Or three. The South Korean government is allowing a Christian group to light a massive steel Christmas tree near its border with North Korea, just as it did last year.  Plus -- two more along the border.

The Washington Post has reaction -- from both sides of the DMZ.

“The decision is meant to help guarantee freedom of expression and religion, (a South Korean) official said on condition of anonymity ... North Korea’s state-run … website said that lighting the first tree was a form of psychological warfare and would trigger an ‘unexpected consequence.’”

The Post notes, the biggest tree will be lit up December 23rd, and will stay lit for 15 days. It’ll be visible from the North Korean city of Kaeson. Why’s this such a big deal?

 
ABC Australia notes, tensions have risen to new heights over the last year....

“Animosity between the two Koreas still lingers in the aftermath of the North’s alleged torpedoing of a South Korean warship and its artillery bombardment of a South Korean island that killed a total of 50 South Koreans last year. North Korea has denied responsibility in the warship sinking.”

Before that sinking, the North and South had agreed -- back in 2004 -- the tree-lighting would NOT happen.
ABC Australia also notes, the North is NOT happy with this change of events.

“The enemy warmongers ... should be aware that they should be held responsible entirely for any unexpected consequences that may be caused by their scheme...This issue... is not something to be ignored quietly.”

But the London’s Daily Mail quotes a church leader who says, the goal here isn’t war -- but peace on earth.

“This is a ceremony for peace on the Korean peninsula and national unity. It is being held with our desire for harmony among our fellow men and between North and South Korea. We are doing this with the expectation that someday our people can become one.”

South Korea says its military will bolster security near the three trees. North Korea has threatened to shoot out the lights of the giant Christmas trees.