Korea North vs South Creation of North South

Korea North vs. South

Creation of North & South Korea: Post WWII 1945 • North managed by USSR South managed by US • Create two separate nations: 38 th parallel • Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North) Leader: Kim IL-Sung • Republic of Korea (South) President: Syngman Rhee

Korean War • • • 1950 -1953 Guerilla warfare, border clashes, naval battles North Korea (NK) invades South Korea (SK) UN (Lots of US) aids SK China helps NK Armistice signed July, 1953

Results of Korean War • Neither side gains territory • 3 million dead • Demilitarized Zone created 38 th parallel • Buffer zone b/w NK & SK

Government & Military North Korea • Communist • Kim Jong-Un • 4 th largest army (1. 1 million) • Offensive weapons • Nuclear weapons South Korea • Republic • Lee Myung-Bak • 650, 000 in military • 1/3 – 2/3 less weapons

Economy North Korea • Decline in 90 s (End of communism) • Regime maintains control • Small private sector • $$$$$$ to military • Little industry • Poor infrastructure • Chronic food shortages South Korea • 13 th largest in world • Growth from gov’t planning • Exports & industry • Recently: market oriented

Interaction b/w N & S Korea • Reunification talks…can’t agree on terms • Points: family reunification, trade & military • Continued threats of nuclear attacks • South has provided a lot of aid to North • Trade has grown some