1. North Korea/South Korea

2. After WWII, the allies divided Japan owned Korea into North and South. Russia “governed” the North, while the U.S. governed the South. They decided to split the Koreas at the 38 th parallel. (didn’t really ask any one else’s opinion)

3. History – Korean War In the 1950s, the North invaded the South with the help of Russian forces. The United Nations backed the South to kick the North Koreans out – M.A.S.H

4. North Korea https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/kn.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/kn.html Until the fall of the Communist block, North Korea was one of the world’s fastest growing economies because of their trade alliances with China and Russia.

5. Immigration North Korea imposes very strict migration controls on the entries and exits of foreigners and of its citizens. Despite being a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights since 1981, North Korea does not uphold Article 12(2) of the law, which states, "Everyone shall be free to leave any country, including his own." Instead, North Korea has long regarded unauthorized departure as an act of treason. Individuals who are caught emigrating or helping others to cross the border illegally are detained in political penal- labor colonies, known as kwan-li-so. Prisoners serve anywhere between two to seven years in these camps, where rates of torture and death are notoriously high.

6. Koreans in China What are the two countries that border North Korea? The border is easier to cross into china (not so guarded) People hire brokers to get them across safely Or bribe guards (more risky, but less money) Once in China, if they are caught, they are expatriated to North Korea where they are severely punished – China provides rewards ranging from US$400 to US$630 to those who turn in North Korean refugees. China is seen as a transition ground; not a permanent place to live

7. Why not just go south? First, the demilitarized zone (DMZ) that separates the two countries along the 38th parallel is patrolled by armed North and South Korean soldiers and is laden with active landmines and electrified fences. Second, human mobility within North Korea is highly restricted, and most North Koreans must obtain permission even to travel to areas just outside of their residence and employment.

8. Nuclear Weapons Even though they agreed to follow all IAEA policies; they have continued to make nuclear weapons. Their program has been going on and off for about 30 years. In 2006, North Korea announced that they had successfully made an atomic weapon

9. South Korea https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/ks.html https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the- world-factbook/geos/ks.html

10. Reunification The movement to reunify North and South Korea Will it ever happen? Have there been examples in history that might foreshadow how it would effect the two countries?