“Kam-sa-ham-ni-da! Troxell juim-wonsa im-ni-da!”

This phrase – which means “Thank you! I am Command Sergeant Major Troxell!” – isn’t just an example of a foreign resident learning some phrases to fit in. In John Troxell’s case, it symbolizes a commitment to a partnership.

“All of our troops must respect Korea as much as they respect their own country,” he told NK News. “Mutual respect and cultural awareness is what makes this bond even stronger.”

In the first half of last year this bond was put to the test. For one, tensions rose as North Korea conducted its third nuclear