The Korean Conflict Teacher’s Edition

Today’s Main Idea: The Korean Peninsula has been divided since the Korean War. A 60 year cease had fire existed between North and South Korea, but recent actions taken by North Korea have brought an end to this arrangement.

One Korea, sort of…. After WWII North Korea was occupied by the communist Soviet Union South Korea was occupied by the Allies and the United Nations, who supported the growth of democracy.

The Outbreak of War: In 1950 North Korea invaded South Korea The US and the United Nations defended the south The war ended in a ceasefire and the creation of a demilitarized zone

Demilitarized Zone… The heavily guarded border between North and South Korea

Totalitarianism: A government focuses on the good of the state rather than the good of the people

North Korea Today: After the fall of the Soviet Union North Korea’s economy collapsed –Millions have starved to death –North Korea spends most their money on their military –75% of their factories sit idle

In 2010 North Korea announced they had the ability to produce nuclear weapons

Kim Jung Un: Likes: -Military 1 st policies -Government controlled media -Sending people labor camps and prisons -Designer clothing -Dennis Rodman

# Bromance

I am the only American to recently visit North Korea. Kim Jung Un is obsessed with basketball and I am one of his favorites!

# DictatorProbs…. 1 – He is an unpredictable leader, who has access to nuclear weapons 2 – He is eager to engage in military conflict 3 – He declared an end to the 60 year armistice that existed between North and South Korea 4 – No one knows what he will do next because of his secretive nature

Life in North Korea: Described as a ‘cult like society’ –North Korea is a closed society The government controls the media – this means you can be sent to a prison camp for watching a western movie Roads with no cars Loud speakers in peoples houses play propaganda throughout the day

Life in South Korea: South Korea is a core nation with a high standard of living South Korea has a thriving democracy Fastest internet speeds in the world

We largely believe that Kim Jong Un is making these threats in order to solidify his power. We will retaliate if North Korea strikes us.

When it boils down to it… North Korea appears it would be willing to strike South Korea at any time The US has 28,000 soldiers stationed on the South Korean side of the DMZ North Korea has nuclear weapons and a hostile leader who is struggling to prove his worth in a military dictatorship.