Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea)

Korea was divided into two parts in 1945 after the end of World War II. The initial partition was meant to be temporary and for smooth the progress of the Japanese surrender. However, the rivalry between US and Soviet Union the superpowers, led to the birth of two rival nations. Soviet Union sponsored the formation of North Korea and United States helped in making South Korea. The 38^th Parallel is the line on the map which marks the border between the North and South Korea. 

In 1950, North Korea attempted to invade South Korea with a military action. The Korean war from 1950-1953, is also known as the Fatherland Liberation War in North Korea. Initially, North Korean forces did taste some success in this war but suffered heavy losses at the hands of US led coalition forces of UN. It was the introduction of Chinese forces into the war which saved the North Korean military’s total destruction at the hands of US led forces. In 1953, a treaty was signed between Chinese, North Korean and United Nations Command troops to end the war. Although, US and South Korea did not sign the agreement but both countries hold on to it. Things were reversed to 38^th Parallel again. This agreement remained in force until 1993.

North Korea which is officially known as Democratic People’s Republic of Korea is a country located in East Asia and controls the northern half of the Korean Peninsula.  It is a communist state which follows the one man dictatorship. North Korea has been ruled by Kim II Sung regime. The government follows very strict and rigid system of governance. Kim II Sung was very active in the resistance forces against Japan in the World War II. He became the head of the state in 1948 and continued to dominate the DPRK’s political system. In 1993, he handed the chairmanship of National Defense Commission to his son and chosen heir Kim Jong II.

After the death of Kim II Sung, Kim Jong II became the leader of North Korea. During his father’s time, it became evident that Kim Jong II would be the successor after Kim II Sung. Kim Jong II held key offices during that time. During Kim Jong II’s era, North Korea suffered from famine. This crisis (1994-1998) is also known as the “Arduous March” or “The March of Suffering”. There were numerous factors responsible for this famine which includes economic crisis, loss of Soviet Union support, floods and drought. Around 240,000 to 350,000 North Koreans died from starving and other illnesses in this disaster.

Kim Jong II strengthened the military role in his era and was also blamed for sponsoring state terrorism. Kim Jong II was not skilled enough in economic matters and often had the negative reputation in this regard.  But as a diplomat he was considered very competent, manipulative and skilled. In 1994, North Korea and the US signed a framework which was designed to stop and dismantle nuclear weapons program of North Korea in exchange of aid and guarantee that it will not be assaulted again. However, in 2002, Kim Jong’s government disclosed that it has produced nuclear weapons. The DPRK argued that it was necessary to develop nuclear weapons for its defense as US developed nuclear weapons were present in South Korea which were a big threat. Tensions between the United States and North Korea rose to a new high. It was October 9, 2006 when North Korea announced that it has successfully conducted underground nuclear tests. 

Kim Jong II continued to rule DPRK up till 2011. In 2008, there were rumors that Kim Jong II suffered from diabetes and his health suffered a lot because of it. It was reported by a Japanese weekly paper that Kim Jong II died of diabetes in 2003. The world also noticed that Kim Jong II did not appear for the Olympic Torch relay in 2008 in Pyongyang.  In 2011, on December 17, it was announced that Kim Jong II died of a heart attack while he was traveling in a train. However, the death of Kim Jong II remained an enigma for the world. He was succeeded by his son Kim Jong-un.

Today, North Korea is ruled by Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of Kim Jong II. Under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, North Korea continues to develop nuclear weapons. North Korea has also announced that it has developed hydrogen bomb. United Nations have imposed many sanctions on North Korea in order to stop it from the development of nuclear weapons and missile tests. The nuclear ambitions of North Korea continue to grow under Kim Jong-un. Many analysts believe that North Korea is a communist country but its status is still not clear as it needs more debate.

Today, South Korea and Japan see North Korea as a biggest threat to their countries. North Korea continues to fire missiles over these countries. Both countries are allies of US and the United States’ military is also present there.  Korean peninsula remains a volatile and hot-blooded region. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, DPRK or North Korea is the only country, on the planet to threaten the United States of America with nuclear weapons. Things remain explosive as US has warned that it may take military action against North Korea if it does not end its nuclear program.

At the end, I would say that we can hope things get better and peaceful as world is not capable of surviving another great war.