Migrated people from China broken up into different kingdoms AD the country was unified under the Silla kingdom. Unified people group until 1953; SAME CULTURE Japan took control. Harsh conditions by the Japanese toward the Koreans; forced into labor camps and thousands were killed.

After WWII the two super powers split up their influence over the Korean Peninsula. The Soviet Union influenced the North and US the South North Korean troops, under Kim il-Sung, invaded South Korea to start the Korean War and unify the country. United States fought with South Korea in an attempt to stop the spread of communism. War ended in 1953 and created two countries at the 38 th parallel. 4 million Korean soldiers and civilians were killed.

South Korean culture is influenced by the West. Modernized and Westernized after the Korean War. Rigorous education system. Extreme competition to go to college; must pass an entrance exam. “Sa Dang, O Rak”  4 pass, 5 fail. South Korea’s main religion is Christianity.

6:50 a.m. Wakes, gets dressed for school and eats some toast 7:40 a.m. Walks to school 8:10 a.m. Attends a 40-minute English comprehension lesson 8:50 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Classes 5 p.m. Eats some rice cakes, starts homework 6 p.m. Private math tutorial 8 p.m. More homework 8:50 p.m. Leaves home for cram school 9:20 p.m. Attends English lesson at cram school Midnight Teacher drives her home 12:30 a.m. Arrives home, takes a shower, does more homework, has a snack, plays computer games 2:00 a.m. Time for sleep—for less than five hours

Before WWII economy was agriculture. 13 th highest economy in the world and 3 rd in Asia. Today, South Korea has a strong trading economy in shipbuilding, automobile parts, steel, and chemical industries. Per capita income $31, 200  2011 Since 1983 South Korean has been one of the most democratic nations. Amazing turn around from traditional to modern after the Korean War.

Communist star!

North Korea controlled by Kim Il-Sung (Great Leader) until 1994 who put in communism. Oppressive regime that drove the economy into the ground Kim Jong-Il (Dear Leader) controlled country. New leader is son, Kim Jong-Un. Population 23 million with an estimated annual per capita income of 1,700 USD. That’s 141 dollars a month! 4.72 a day!

Current president, Kim jong-Un Old president Kim jong- Il

Political propaganda used to ensure the “Cult of Personality” of the Kim family. A cult of personality arises when an individual uses mas media, propaganda, or other methods, to create an idealized, heroic, and, at times god-like public image, often through unquestioning flattery and praise. There are weekly sessions where North Koreans are taught the Kim family posses supreme supernatural powers. Belief that Kim Jong-Il had a miraculous birth atop a legendary mountain (fact  he was born in the Soviet Union)

Government divides citizens’ loyalty into “core,” “wavering” and “hostile.” Correlates [connects] with socio economic status. Require citizens to spy on each other, even family. Anyone who is critical of the government is subject to torture, execution, or imprisonment in a concentration camp. All radio, television, newspapers and church sermons are government controlled and praise the leader.

Traveling outside of North Korea is forbidden as is contact with a foreigner. Punishment for travel outside of North Korea is punishable by death. 10 government concentration camps with 200, ,000 prisoners in them currently. Camp conditions are terrible with a casualty rate as high as 25%. North Korea has no legal court process so imprisoning, torture and execution at will is allowed. Public executions are a common site.

Heavily militarized claiming 1.3 million soldiers (world’s 5 th largest). Military research program developing nuclear weapons and long-range missiles. DMZ  massive artillery on the border with South Korea designed to inflict heavy casualties on Seoul. Most militarized zone in the world.

During the 1990s 3.5 million people died of starvation. Sanctions are not put on North Korea because international grain donations would result in the deaths of million more. Malnutrition is universal except among the ruling class. Average 7 year old is eight inches shorter than a South Korean of the same age. Probably the most oppressive regime on Earth.

2013  North Korea launched a satellite into space which threatens South Korea due to the possible capability of having long distance missiles. UN responded with sanctions. “In an angry statement, North Korean officials pledged to conduct a third nuclear test, vowing that if South Korea supports the sanctions it would use ‘strong physical countermeasures’ against ‘the group of puppet traitors’ in Seoul” (Matthew Chance, CNN). Tensions growing between the two countries toward a possible war.

No diplomatic relations since the Korean War. North Korea considers the U.S. it’s sworn “enemy.” Jan, 2013  Vowed to “carry out further rocket launches and a nuclear test that would target the United States” (Ju-min, Reuters). Between 1995 and 2008, the United States provided North Korea with over $1.3 billion in assistance. Since early 2009, the United States has provided virtually no aid to North Korea.

February, 2012  North Korea agreed to ending their nuclear program and allow inspectors in. The US in response pledged food aid. 240,000 metric tons! Agreement ended when North Korea launched satellite. Standstill continues.

North Korea South Korea