[Opinion] AK Rifle and Peace

The most widespread weapon in the world is the AK-47, a Russian automatic rifle. Since its development in 1947, the rifle has been used in some 100 countries around the world. So far, more than an estimated 100 million pieces have been produced because of its advantages—easy to use with almost no mechanical trouble and cheap. The model is so popular that in the 1970s, people would say, “The U.S. exports Coca Cola, Japan-Sony, and Russia-AK-27.”

The name AK-47 came from “Automatic Kalashnikov-1947,” which meant the rifle was developed by Mijail Kalashnikov in 1947. Kalashnikov, who fought as an Armor Officer during World War II, designed the rifle when he was hospitalized after being wounded in a battle with German soldiers. Although no other weapon in history was sold as much as the AK-47, he could not make big money because by law, the Soviet Union did not approve of patents by its people. Kalashnikov, now 85 years old, lives on a monthly pension of $593 (approximately 710,000 won).

In November 2003, one journalist interviewed Kalashnikov at an international exhibition on defense equipment in Delft, the Netherlands. With a critical tone, the journalist said AK-47 is encouraging war as it is now in the hands of underdeveloped countries and terrorists. To his words, Kalashnikov strongly argued, “I developed the rifle to safeguard peace and freedom.” He added, “25 million people lost their lives when the Nazi invaded the Soviet Union. I made the gun to defend my nation. Was that wrong?” In addition, he blamed the politicians by pointing out, “A war does not occur because of weapons. Rather, the problem lies on politicians who are willing to go to war.”

A U.K.-based Russian company, “Audio Books For Free,” recently released its new product called AK-MP3. The product, which can hold 20 billion words and 9000 songs, can be used by attaching it to the ammunition magazine of an AK-47. The company said AK-MP3 player was developed “for peace” and that conflicts and hatred will disappear from the militants and terrorists who mostly use AK-47 once they listen to good audio books and music with the player. Let’s hope that the “argument” of Kalashnikov can be realized through AK-MP3.

Hwang You-sung, Beijing Correspondent yshwang@donga.com