KOREAN UNIFICATION

Korean Unification

Table of Content

Abstract3

Introduction3

Discussion4

Current Political Structure of North Korea4

Current Political Structure of South Korea4

Major hurdles to unification5

Hankook Ilbo5

Opinion Survey Results6

Future Outlook9

Conclusion10

References12

Korean Unification

Abstract

The major obstacles to unification are North Korean firm adherence to communism and the economic gap in South Korean favor. North Korean defectors are of the view that the governments of the United States and South Korea are the main impediments in the process of reunification. However lower rank officials of the government in these two countries still hold the view that Korea must unite through its own efforts. Both the countries need to promote homogeneity as a first measure to expand contacts. A peaceful and gradual unification has been found desirable by the respondents of various surveys.

Introduction

After the end of World War II, Korea was divided into two countries as North Korea and South Korea. Soviet Union ruled North Korea for many years which ultimately led to the widespread protests from the North Korean population. The issue of unification of South Korea and North Korea has long been debated and discussed in the political circles and academic institutions. In this paper we will examine the pros and corns of this unification and the reasons as to why it has not materialized so far in the backdrop of social, cultural, geographical, political and economical aspects. We should also keep in mind the current political structure and global status of these two countries. In my personal opinion these two countries must unite as early as possible to address the ever increasing issues in this part of the world specifically and a broader universal canvas generally. Once united, they can become the next super power of the world.

Discussion

Current Political Structure of North Korea

In order to boost up the economy, North Korea has seen various changes in the political system in the past several years. North Korean government is viewed as dictatorial with centralization of power. As a result of Russian rule, North Korea is structured politically as a Communist state. The official name of the country as declared in the constitution is “The Democratic People's Republic of Korea”. Being a communist country, North Korea has strong ties with China and Russia but not with the rest of the world especially Western countries and America. Recently North Korea successfully developed and launched high-tech nuclear missiles and infrastructural facilities have also improved during the last few years.

Current Political Structure of South Korea

The political system of South Korea is based upon Republic form of Government with Prime Minister as Head of the Government and President as Head of the State. Executive, legislature and judiciary are the main components of the government. After many years of authoritarian rule, South Korea is still facing the aftermath. The official name of the country as declared in the constitution is “The Republic of Korea”. Japanese ruled the country for several decades after taking it over in 1910 until its liberation in 1948 when full autonomy was given to the ...