Epidemic at the Land of the Morning Calm - Expanded TL of Seoul Station and Train To Busan

[Gillan1220]

Russo-Indian cruise missile sees action for the first time
By CHAD GARLAND|Published: September 2, 2016

Cruise missile BrahMos on display at IMDS-2007. Wikimedia Commons.
​

On September 2, 2016 with the reignition of the Korean War, the BrahMos cruise missile was used in combat for the first time since it was introduced 10 years ago. The missiles were fired from INS Satpura (F48), a Shivalik-class stealth-multirole frigate of the Indian Navy. The INS Satpura was initially part of the RIMPAC 2016 exercises held in Hawaii starting last July but was quickly diverted to South Korea with the rest of the fleet led by the USS John C. Stennis for Operation Sea Paladin or the United Nations quarantine of the Korean peninsula. The targets of the missiles were Korean People's Navy surface vessels and other strategic targets such as North Korean naval bases, shipyards, air fields, and supply depots. The damage caused by the missiles have yet to be determined.

INS Satpura firing BrahMos cruise missiles towards North Korean targets. Photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Michael Greenfield/U.S. Navy)​

The BrahMos (designated PJ-10) is a medium-range ramjet supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarine, ships, aircraft, or land. It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world. It is a joint venture between the Russian Federation's NPO Mashinostroyeniya and India's Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), who together have formed BrahMos Aerospace. It is based on the Russian P-800 Oniks cruise missile and other similar sea-skimming Russian cruise missile technology. The name BrahMos is a portmanteau formed from the names of two rivers, the Brahmaputra of India and the Moskva of Russia.

Entering service in the Indian Armed Forces and the Russian Armed Forces in November 2006, it is currently the world's fasted anti-ship cruise missile. After seeing the potential performance of the missile, other countries have looked into the option of ordering these missiles from India.

The current situation in the Korean Peninsula has also simultaneously seen new weapons and military equipment to be used in combat for the first time. Among these are the F-35B variant used by the United States Marine Corps launching from the USS America (LHA-6) which saw action against the Sukhoi and MiG fighter jets of the Korean People's Army Air and Anti-Air Force. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's JS Izumo (DDH-181), the newest and most-expensive light aircraft carrier, also saw action in supporting allies and partners in the region. The Izumo's flight deck could technically house the F-35B, sparkling concerns within China, both Koreas, and Russia of Japan having these carriers to project power in the region as fears of resurgence of Japanese militarism.

 

[Gillan1220]

Why You Wouldn't Survive #ALIVE

 

[Gillan1220]

SEPTEMBER 2, 2016|UPDATED 1 HOUR AGO
The F-35 Participates On Its First Combat Missions Over Korea
By Mike Stone

An F-35B takes off from the USS America's flight deck while several others are parked on the runway, off the coast of South Korea, September 2, 2016. (U.S. NAVY)
​

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - A number of F-35 Lightning II fighter jets conducted aerial and ground combat against North Korean targets, marking the first time the controversial $428 billion 5th generation fighter jet to be used in actual combat.

During an emergency press conference in the Pentagon with the recent escalation of the Korean quarantine, Peter Cook, Assistant to the Secretary of Defense for Public Affairs, confirmed the use of the highly-advanced fighter jets which took off from the USS America (LHA-6) amphibious assault ship. The success rates of these jets have yet to be evaluated.

"We can confirm that the F-35s have shot down multiple North Korean jets with a high kill ratio. However, we have yet to receive nor disclose the actual combat data." Cook said.

The fighter jets used were the F-35B variant which is capable of short takeoff and vertical landing (SVOTL) which entered service within the United States Marine Corps last November 2015 since the jets are favorable to operate on amphibious assault ships with small flight decks such as the Wasp-class and the newer America-class.

The most expensive fighter jet program in the U.S. military's history started in 1995 which was intended to counter Russia and China's newer generation of fighter jets. The project itself overlapped with the stealthy F-22 Raptor, which costed $70 billion to produce and acquire for the United States Air Force. Ever since the conception of the project, the development of the F-35 was marred by cost overrun and delays. The F-35A first took flight on December 15, 2006 but was only introduced a decade later. Just a month ago, the F-35A, which is capable of conventional takeoff and landing, was introduced to the United States Air Force. The F-35C, which is capable of landing on aircraft carriers assisted by catapults, is expected to be in service by 2018.

Since then, allied countries have expressed interest in the fighter jet. The United Kingdom has planned to procure 138 units of the fighter jet, mainly the F-35B, to operate on its upcoming aircraft carrier the HMS Queen Elizabeth. Australia, Belgium, Denmark, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, South Korea, Singapore, and Turkey plan also plan to add the F-35 in their fleet of aircraft.

 

[Gillan1220]

So we might see a third movie coming soon:

https://www.thejakartapost.com/life...irector-says-another-sequel-might-follow.html

 

[Gillan1220]

Japanese helicopter carriers support allies in the Korean Peninsula crisis
by MARI YAMAGUCHI September 3, 2016

File photo of the JS Izumo. Source: Ministry of Defense.​

TOKYO (AP) – All three of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's (JMSDF) helicopter carriers are currently participating in the ongoing conflict with North Korea that erupted yesterday, the Defense Ministry said.

The ships participating were two Hyūga-class helicopter carriers, the JS Hyūga and JS Ise, and the newer and larger Izumo-class carrier, the JS Izumo (DDH-183), the ministry confirmed.

In this file photo dated March 30, 2016, the JS Ise (foreground) is seen with the USS John C. Stennis (background) along with other naval forces in an exercise in the Philippine Sea. The John C. Stennis is the flag ship of the UN quarantine of the Korean Peninsula. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Susan C. Damman/ Released)​

Ever since the quarantine of the Korean Peninsula began last July, the JMSDF has actively participated in enacting the United Nations mandate, ensuring no infected ship or plane leaves the peninsula and land on Japan.

The first Japanese warships to to head into the Sea of Japan were the destroyers JS Kōngō, JS Myōko, and the JS Atago as well as the helicopter carrier JS Ise.

A few weeks later, the JS Hyūga and the destroyer JS Chōkai arrived with the rest of the RIMPAC fleet. Earlier in August, the ministry announced that the JS Izumo - currently Japan's largest and most expensive warship - to support allies and partners in acting in region. Along it came with the destroyer JS Kirishima.

This move is the first so far of the JSDF just as Japan reinterpreted Article 9 of the post-war constitution last September 2015 in which the country could come in the defense of allies as part of "collective self-defense."

The move was welcomed by the United States and allies but has been a subject of concern among Korean nationalists and netizens in China over fears of a resurgence of Japan's militarism in what is seen as Japan's first shots since 1945.

The Defense Ministry stated that the carriers and other warships are for defensive purposes only and it will only retaliate if fired upon or threatened.

In private meeting with the Chinese, Russian, and the South Korean ambassadors at the Kantei, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe assured that Japan will continue to cooperate with its neighbors in keeping the epidemic contained.

China and Russia, whom are at odds with Japan due to disputed territory, are currently participating in the quarantine of the peninsula by sending warships and planes in Korean territorial waters.

This marks the first time that the United States and their allies cooperated with China and Russia in a multinational military operation, thus easing some tensions in the East and South China Seas as international attention has been diverted to contain the virus in what produced the worst humanitarian crisis in history.

 

[Gillan1220]

Trends
#PrayforKorea
22.5 M Tweets
#PrayforSouthKorea
15.7 M Tweets
#KZVirus
10.6 M Tweets
#ZombieApocalypse
10.1 M Tweets
World War Z
9.9 M Tweets
K-Z Virus
9.4 M Tweets
Rabies
8.7 M Tweets

 

[Gillan1220]

NHK News
Protests erupt around Japan calling for the revocation of Article 9
#Japan #KZCrisis #Article9 #JSDF

An estimated 30,000 individuals marched from the Imperial Palace, the National Diet Building, and the Kantei today in Tokyo's Chiyoda Special Ward after it was discovered that North Korea planned to use Infected specimens as biological weapons to start outbreaks within Japan and what remains of South Korea. The information was obtained from captured sailors from the Korean People's Navy submarine that was impounded by the JMSDF.

Crowds waved both the Hinomaru and the Rising Sun flags while chanting nationalist slogans. Some were even dressed in Imperial Army uniforms. Right-wing nationalists such as the uyoku-dantai and the Great Japan Patriotic Party, who also waved South Korean and American flags, were among the members that took part in the march.

"This is one of the reasons why need to revoke Article 9. For several decades, our country has lived under threat from North Korea's ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons. Now they planned to use the kabane (corpse) against us. This has gone too far." Said right-wing nationalist Takahiro Nakayama. "It is time for Japan to take action against all threats for her survival."

Japan is one of the first nations to enforce the quarantine of the Korean Peninsula since the outbreak began last July in what has been the largest overseas Japanese military operation since World War II. The JSDF, particularly the Maritime Self Defense Force, fired its first shot in defense against North Korean navy vessels.

Article 9 was enacted by the Allied Powers on Japan's post-war constitution in which the country will never use war as an instrument of force after its defeat in World War II. In September 2015, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced that Article 9 would be amended to cover allies and partners in a form of "collective self-defense." This was condemned by China and both Koreans, who fear the resurgence of Japanese militarism. An official apology has yet to suffice for Japanese atrocities committed during the war.

Based on a recent survey of 100,000 individuals per city, 95% of Japanese nationals prefer for further involvement in the Korean Peninsula to contain both the KZ Virus and the threat from North Korea.

 

[Emperor of Pennsylvania]

To be honest, the ultranationalists are kind of right here. Preventing your people from being eaten alive by undead hordes sounds like a pretty sane reason to militarize your country.

 

[S. Marlowski]

I wonder if there were incidents of people dressing up in Zombie face masks to prank people (talking outside of East Asia) and their consequences during this epidemic?

 

[Gillan1220]

I wonder if there were incidents of people dressing up in Zombie face masks to prank people (talking outside of East Asia) and their consequences during this epidemic?

I remember 2016 had the creepy clown pranks around the world. Yes, I would see people pretend to act like the fast zombies to scare people. The consequences would be panic or someone getting shot. I'd see the NYPD not take any chances if one broke out in Times Square. The best thing that can happen is those wearing zombie masks or pretending to be zombies would get arrested and fined the same way those who make bomb jokes at the airport.

 

[Gillan1220]

July 23, 2016
Okinawa, Japan

"Hello followers, I would not be making any videos for a while. The reason is obvious. I'm going to be deployed to secure the Busan safe-zone to reinforce our South Korean allies and the American forces there. Honestly, I am terrified. I've never seen a zombie in real-life much less being able to fight one. I ask for you guys to pray for me and my fellow Marines as we battle something that only existed in science fiction. Remember my followers, you have one life. Live it. Make it count. See you. Updates to follow."

19 year old Armando Nava Jr., known by his YouTube Channel NavaTheBeast, flipped off the camera and uploaded the video on his YouTube as well as social media accounts. The Texan bodybuilder, YouTube influencer, and military motivator since 2015 was stationed here in Okinawa. Nava could remember the day he entered bootcamp just fresh out of high school to the day he earned his Globe, Eagle, and Anchor. Since he became a Marine, he wanted to motivate the younger generation to find their purpose in life such as serving one's country. For Nava, the life of Marine was tiring yet rewarding. He never expected in his whole life to be deployed to places he had never imagined he would be at. When he was younger, he saw Japan as the land of anime and sushi. There was more to see of Japan once his deployment started here: from Japanese temples, amusement parks, old castles, cherry blossoms, beaches, and Mount Fuji. In his prime, he aimed to make his life meaningful as the Marine Corps could let one travel for free as part of their overseas deployment.

Then cue in 2016 came the KZ Epidemic that affected neighboring Korea. Nava and his fellow Marines saw from the TV in the mess hall of footage of Infected creatures rampaging throughout South Korea. The mess hall was full of shocked gasps an disbelief.

"Holy shit dude." A Marine called out.

"It's easy. We shoot them in the head."

"Hey dumbass, didn't you see the footage? Those things are the fast type. Something like Left 4 Dead, World War Z, or the Dawn of the Dead remake. Chances are you will be overwhelmed before you could even aim for the head?"

"Who needs ground troops when we have helicopters and aircraft to kill those zombies from the air?"

"Gonna kill me some undead fuckers soon. Hoorah! Jarheads never quit."

That night, the commander of the camp announced that several battalions of Marines would be shipping out to Sasebo where the amphibious vessels of the U.S. Navy in Japan were stationed at. The destination was obvious: Busan. Miraculously, significant numbers of the ROK Armed Forces were able to secure that strategic port city and Jeju Island. The ROK government managed to evacuate President Park, senior cabinet officials, and some higher ups of the South Korean military to the city in the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. The nearby U.S. Navy facility as Chinhae provided what assistance they can along with the scattered U.S. Army units. Casualties among American forces numbered around approximated 500 soldiers in the first three days of the outbreak. The number was expected to increase as some U.S. Army bases were on the risk of being overrun. The commander stated they had to ready their gear as they would then take the flight to Nagasaki. From there, the marines would travel to Sasebo and board the troop ships towards the Korean Peninsula.

---

Nava prepared his backpack and checked his M4A1 time-and-time again. Next, he checked his sidearm. He made sure all his weapons were locked-and-loaded but on safe.

"Remember, head equals dead." Nava said to himself.

Beside him, a fellow Marine assigned as a squad support gunner was loading his magazines on his load-bearing vest. The marine was issued an M-27 IAR, the intended replacement for the M4A1.

"Can't wait to turn some zombies into red mist." The gunner said.

"Easy buddy. Remember not to waste your ammo. We only do full auto if we're against a horde of those things." The squad leader said.

---

Less than 30 minutes later, the marines were all assembled. They then boarded a C-130 that would take them to Nagasaki. Upon arriving in Nagasaki, they boarded the buses that took them to the base at Sasebo. Several Marines already assembled at the docks in front of the dock landing ships USS Ashland and the USS Germantown, the amphibious transport dock USS Green Bay, and the flattop, the USS Bonhomme Richard.

Nava and his marines were assigned to board the USS Bonhomme Richard. There was no formal ceremony as the Marines needed to land in Busan as soon as possible. The large ships left Sasebo. With them were young sailors and marines ready to fight an enemy that only 72 hours ago existed in science fiction.

 

[Gillan1220]

I decided to rewatch the intro of Peninsula again.

So the following could be obtained:

• The outbreak occurred on May 24, 2016 rather than the July 2016 POD I presented.
• The Republic of Korea collapsed in 24 hours.
• Meanwhile, the North has stated to have survived but this is a cursory mention.
• A hastingly-arranged seaborne evacuation was made but Japan refused to allow Korean refugees due to the fear of infected? or WWII tensions? Or because Japan does not accept refugees just like OTL?
• Busan was just an evacuation point but it apparently fell soon after.
• Hong Kong was one of the areas that accepted Korean refugees.
• A large UN naval blockade has been enforced on the Korean Peninsula.
• Just like the xenophobia and hate attacks against Asians because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Koreans here face mockery and hate attacks from people of the countries that housed them.

 

[Gillan1220]

5 years since the outbreak began for this TL.

 

[ThirdyLovesAH]

5 years since the outbreak began for this TL.

Prayers for the people who lost their lives.

 

[Gillan1220]

Prayers for the people who lost their lives.

In my fanfic of this TL, the Korean peninsula survives but still requires lots of rebuilding. Not to mention North Korea used a nuclear weapon against the zombie horde in Paju as they retreated back.

In the official film canon, it appears that the Korean Peninsula has been abandoned and declared a UN deadzone with an international naval fleet enacting a blockade. Unlike my fanfic which the POD is July 20, 2016, a small dashcam seen in the intro of Peninsula shows the date of the outbreak as May 24, 2016. Not to mention, a bigger POD was that both the ROK and DPRK were in talks of reunification but the outbreak destroyed that.

 

[ThirdyLovesAH]

In my fanfic of this TL, the Korean peninsula survives but still requires lots of rebuilding. Not to mention North Korea used a nuclear weapon against the zombie horde in Paju as they retreated back.

In the official film canon, it appears that the Korean Peninsula has been abandoned and declared a UN deadzone with an international naval fleet enacting a blockade. Unlike my fanfic which the POD is July 20, 2016, a small dashcam seen in the intro of Peninsula shows the date of the outbreak as May 24, 2016. Not to mention, a bigger POD was that both the ROK and DPRK were in talks of reunification but the outbreak destroyed that.

What happened to North Korea in the films. I don't know what happened to it. And that's a big POD, what a cursed timeline

 

[Gillan1220]

What happened to North Korea in the films. I don't know what happened to it. And that's a big POD, what a cursed timeline

At 1:53, the interviewee states that the virus started in a biofactory and spread throughout the South. Busan was implied to be only an evacuation port and fell shortly after. It a
At 2:23, he indicates that North Korea survived due to having a large army and a stockpile of nuclear weapons. It's possible the third film in the anthology would feature North Korea but no far no news of it.

 

[ThirdyLovesAH]

At 1:53, the interviewee states that the virus started in a biofactory and spread throughout the South. Busan was implied to be only an evacuation port and fell shortly after. It a
At 2:23, he indicates that North Korea survived due to having a large army and a stockpile of nuclear weapons. It's possible the third film in the anthology would feature North Korea but no far no news of it.

So North Korea survived while being blockaded? I wonder if they are still supplied by China?

 

[Gillan1220]

So North Korea survived while being blockaded? I wonder if they are still supplied by China?

It does not state more if North Korea survived or not. One thing for sure is China would not want zombies spilling past the Yalu. So if North Korea survived, the Hermit Kingdom is most likely supported by China and Russia.

 

[Ukron]

My point of view: your fan-fic (@Gillan1220) is largely better and more interesting that Peninsula.