South Korea Or Japan?

Who would, or who should we support if tensions between Japan and South Korea got out of control? I'm sure we would try to stay neutral and work as a broker, but there have been a couple times now in the last few months where things have gotten a little heated. In March we had a near naval incident, and now Japan and South Korea are at odds over the handling of North Korea.

Seoul has decided to take the approach favored by China, while Tokyo has probably been the most aggressive in making sure that North Korea face sanctions. And while reading this article from the evil Times, I was amazed at the attitude of some of the South Koreans

(NY Times)North Koreans are now regarded by Southerners as long-lost brethren, objects of pity or targets of ridicule — but rarely enemies. “They weren’t firing at us,” said Nam Chul, 44, a welder. “They were firing at the United States and Japan. For North Korea this is almost like their own home, so why should they fire at us?”

Thankfully this isn't the view of all South Koreans

Older South Koreans tend to be more distrustful of the North, but their fear, too, has decreased.

“In general we’ve become too relaxed toward North Korea,” said Kang Min Chung, who was waiting for a bus. Nevertheless, Ms. Kang supports engaging the North. “But because my generation went through the Korean War, I’d still like to stay close to the United States,” she said.

Obvious problem here is when the Ms. Chung's are no longer around, and the majority of the South Koreans weren't around during the 50's, how are they going to view us? So again, who would[should] we side with if tensions did escalate?