As in the sense of being the only independent state in Japan's sphere. Hence, an island.
No.....I definitely didn't get that allegorical sense while reading it. It seems more like a genuine mistake. Unless he left something out to help flesh out the metaphorically sense of "island".
Chris is right, the perils of another early morning update, although I do like that metaphor Kome.
3. How possible was it that TTL Korea wouldn't be as Soviet-controlled as OTL North Korea was?
What I want is a Korea that is at least not led by that crazy Kim il-sung but somebody more moderate, idealistically a somebody who (like Yugoslavia, Indonesia or India) can balance on the politically bipolar tightrope and maintain political neutrality. I don't know how long this TL would take us, but I hope in this future the leader wouldn't be Kim.
Curiousone's already fielded the order of battle inquiry and he's basically spot on. The initial amphibious landing in Korea is outnumbered but it's troops are better experienced and better equpped than many of the Japanese, many of whom are the greenest of the green. Although the Soviets didn't occupy the whole peninsula until the
Soviet forces from Siberia and Inner Mongolia rolled across the Yalu in September to link up with the beachead.
As for Soviet control, Kim has been quick to follow this advance and is already in Korea by late September. Though the future of the area's occupation remains uncertain, until Japan surrenders he can enjoy unhindered access to the whole peninsula, as well as being included in the surrender of the remaining Japanese troops, to help exaggerate his contribution to the Korean resistance, a myth that will aid his rallying of the liberated workers and peasants.
Imagine OTL scenes such as this October 1945 gathering, but in both North and South.