The division of Korea goes back to the second world war. At the end of the war, on August 9 in the year 1945 the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Japan occupied Korea since the year 1910; therefore, the Soviet Union advanced into Korea because it was a part of Japan. Although this attack was approved by the Allies in the Yalta Conference, the US government showed concerns about this act of violence. The thought of all Korea becoming a subject to the Soviet Ideology caused them to request Soviet forces to stop their military activity. It was called for a stop at the 38th parallel north, splitting the country into two parts. The first part North Korea, occupied by the Soviet Union and the second part, South Korea, still free from any military activity caused by the Soviet Union. South Korea would be occupied by the US military.
Officially South Korea was established on August 15, 1948. Syngman Rhee would be the first president of South Korea and in conclusion most of the US military left. North Korea would be official established on the 9th of September 1948. Kim Il-sung was declared prime minister. The result of this was in the end two countries with two very different political directions and viewpoints: the birthplace of antagonism.
Table of Contents
History
The Division of Korea
The Korean War
The Sunshine Policy
The end of the Sunshine Policy
The Moonshine Policy
The Powers behind South and North Korea and their goals
China
Russia
The United States
What is their goal?
The Hero’s Journey
Reunion?
Objectives and Topics
This work examines the historical development and the complex political relationship between South and North Korea, analyzing the prospects for a potential future reunification against the backdrop of international influence.
- Historical evolution of the Korean division and the impact of the Korean War.
- Evaluation of political initiatives like the Sunshine Policy and the Moonshine Policy.
- Analysis of the strategic roles played by China, Russia, and the United States.
- Assessment of the recurring "crisis-negotiation" cycle defined as the "Hero's Journey."
- Critical investigation into the realism of long-term reunification.
Excerpt from the Book
The Division of Korea
The division of Korea goes back to the second world war. At the end of the war, on August 9 in the year 1945 the Soviet Union declared war on Japan. Japan occupied Korea since the year 1910; therefore, the Soviet Union advanced into Korea because it was a part of Japan. Although this attack was approved by the Allies in the Yalta Conference, the US government showed concerns about this act of violence. The thought of all Korea becoming a subject to the Soviet Ideology caused them to request Soviet forces to stop their military activity. It was called for a stop at the 38th parallel north, splitting the country into two parts. The first part North Korea, occupied by the Soviet Union and the second part, South Korea, still free from any military activity caused by the Soviet Union. South Korea would be occupied by the US military.
Both the Soviet Union and the US Government established their own government in each of their occupied parts. The Soviet Union´s establishment date would be on the 24th of August of 1945 and only two weeks later US´ would be established in South Korea on the 8th of September.
Both occupying governments were planning to lead Korea into independence and to reconnect the two parts that split the country, but voices were raised that demanded immediate independence as two different countries. At the same time the Cold War was starting to get colder and the tension between the US and the Soviet Union were getting stronger by the hour. Both countries started to promote Koreans which aligned with their own political agenda; therefore, causing both North Korea and South Korea to develop into countries that would represent the occupying governments.
Summary of Chapters
History: This chapter traces the origins of the Korean division following World War II and the subsequent establishment of two opposing political regimes.
The Sunshine Policy: An analysis of the reconciliation efforts initiated by South Korea in 1998, their developmental phases, and their eventual failure.
The Moonshine Policy: Details the revival of engagement efforts under President Moon Jae-In and the resulting diplomatic gestures.
The Powers behind South and North Korea and their goals: Examines how China, Russia, and the United States influence the peninsula based on their own strategic and geopolitical interests.
The Hero’s Journey: Explains the recurring cycle of crisis, tension, and negotiation that North Korea utilizes to gain international concessions.
Reunion?: A concluding reflection on why, based on historical evidence and ongoing political behavior, reunification remains unlikely in the near future.
Keywords
North Korea, South Korea, Division, Reunification, Sunshine Policy, Moonshine Policy, Korean War, Cold War, China, Russia, United States, Geopolitics, Nuclear Weapons, Diplomacy, Crisis.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core focus of this publication?
The paper explores the historical division and the ongoing, complex relationship between South and North Korea, with a specific focus on why reunification remains a distant possibility.
Which thematic areas are covered?
Key areas include the history of the division, the impact of the Korean War, the diplomatic "Sunshine" and "Moonshine" policies, and the geopolitical roles of major world powers.
What is the primary objective of the research?
The aim is to analyze the political dynamics of the Korean peninsula and determine whether the historical pattern of engagement suggests a viable path toward peaceful reunification.
Which methodology is employed in this study?
The work utilizes a historical-analytical approach, drawing upon existing academic literature, historical events, and diplomatic records to construct its argument.
What is examined in the main section?
The main section covers the timeline from the post-WWII occupation to the modern day, including the influence of external powers like the US, China, and Russia, and the strategic behavior of North Korea.
Which keywords define this work?
Central terms include Division, Reunification, Sunshine Policy, Moonshine Policy, Geopolitics, and Nuclear Proliferation.
How does the author characterize the "Hero’s Journey" regarding North Korea?
It describes a repetitive strategic cycle where North Korea instigates international crises, which subsequently leads the world to offer negotiations and concessions, effectively gaming the system.
Why does the author argue that reunification is unlikely in the near future?
The author concludes that North Korea consistently avoids fulfilling its promises, continues its nuclear programs, and relies on a strategy of brinkmanship that prevents genuine, long-term reconciliation.
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- Samuel Bajaly (Autor:in), 2019, North and South Korea. From Division to Reunion?, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/1044776
