Analyze the politics of North

and South Korea and their

influence on society

Spinu Elena
 South Korea North Korea
•Area: 98,484 square kilometers •Area: 120,538 square kilometers
•Population: 51,784,000 inhabitants •Population: 26,161,000 inhabitants
•Capital and Largest City: Seoul, with a •Capital and Largest City: Pyongyang,
population of 10,920,000 with a population of 2,000,000
•Official Language: Korean •Official Language: Korean
•Imported Products: Oil, organic •Imported Products: Car parts,
chemicals, machinery parts, rice petroleum products, coking coal, cereals
•Exported Products: Chemical products, •Exported Products: Minerals, especially
clothing, plywood, electric car parts, iron ore, metallurgical products,
footwear, steel, ships chemicals
•Official Currency: Won (1 won = 100 •Official Currency: Won (1 won = 100
jeon) chon)
•Gross Domestic Product: $1,665.25 •Gross Domestic Product: $48.3 billion
billion USD USD
•Form of Government: Presidential •Form of Government: Juche, Unitary
republic State, Single-Party System
 Analysis of North
Leadership: North Korea is an authoritarian regime led by Kim Jong-un, who
assumed power in December 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong-
Korean politics
il. The Kim family has ruled North Korea since its establishment, with a cult of
personality surrounding the leaders.

Political System: North Korea is a one-party state with the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK)
as the dominant and only legal political party. All political power is centralized, and the
government exerts control over every aspect of its citizens' lives. Elections are largely
symbolic, and the ruling regime maintains an iron grip on power.

Human Rights: North Korea has faced widespread allegations of severe human
rights abuses, including forced labor camps, public executions, lack of freedom
of expression, and extreme political repression.

Nuclear Program: North Korea's nuclear program has been a major global
concern. The country has conducted multiple nuclear tests and missile launches,
leading to international condemnation and sanctions.
North Korea's international relations are characterized by its isolated and …
often unpredictable behavior, making it a subject of global concern. Key
aspects of its international relations include:
1.United States: North Korea's relations with the U.S. have been marked by periods of
dialogue, negotiations, and tensions. The goal of denuclearization remains a central
focus.
.
2.China: China is North Korea's primary ally and trading partner. While Beijing has
provided support, it has also supported international sanctions in response to North
Korea's nuclear activities.
3.Japan: Tensions with Japan stem from North Korea's abduction of Japanese citizens
and concerns over missile tests and nuclear weapons development.
4.Russia: Russia maintains diplomatic relations with North Korea and has called for
negotiations to address regional security concerns.

Economy: North Korea operates a centrally planned economy, often referred to as a

command economy. The state controls most aspects of economic activity, including
ownership of resources, production, distribution, and pricing. Private enterprise is limited,
and the government plays a dominant role in economic decision-making.
North Korea follows the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance and
independence from foreign influences. This policy has led to economic isolation and a
lack of economic diversification.
Analysis of South Korean politics
Leadership: South Korea is a democratic republic with a multi-
party system.
Human Rights: South Korea has made significant strides in improving human rights
over the years. It is a democratic country with legal protections for freedom of speech
and assembly. However, like any nation, it faces ongoing challenges in this regard and
has been working to address them.

Political System: South Korea's political system is characterized by a

separation of powers among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches.
The National Assembly is the country's legislative body, and the judiciary is
independent.
International Relations: South Korea maintains diplomatic relations with
numerous countries, including the United States, China, and Japan. The
U.S.-South Korea alliance is strong, and South Korea is actively involved in
regional and global diplomatic initiatives.

Economic Growth: South Korea has achieved remarkable economic growth since the Korean
War, earning it the nickname "The Miracle on the Han River." The country is home to global
conglomerates like Samsung, Hyundai, and LG. South Korea is a major player in industries
such as technology, automotive, and entertainment.
Korean war
•Causes: The war began on June 25, 1950, when North Korean forces, under the leadership of
Kim Il-sung and with the support of the Soviet Union and China, invaded South Korea. The
invasion was a result of longstanding political tensions and ideological differences between the
two Koreas. The Cold War context also played a significant role, with the United States and the
Soviet Union backing opposing sides in the conflict.

•UN Involvement: The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution

condemning the North Korean invasion, and a UN-led coalition, predominantly
consisting of American forces, intervened to support South Korea. General
Douglas MacArthur led the UN forces.

Stalemate and Armistice: The war resulted in a bloody and protracted

stalemate along the 38th parallel, with neither side achieving a decisive
victory. The conflict ended with an armistice agreement signed on July 27,
1953, which established a demilitarized zone (DMZ) and a ceasefire.
However, no formal peace treaty has been signed, and technically, the two
Koreas remain in a state of war.
 The impact of differences between North Korea
and South Korea on individuals and their societies
Quality of life !
South Korea: South Korea enjoys a high standard of living with a strong economy,
advanced infrastructure, and a high GDP per capita. This has led to a higher quality of
life for its citizens. Human development classification (Very High)
•North Korea: North Korea faces economic challenges, leading to lower living
standards, limited access to basic necessities, and food shortages.

Economic Disparities:
•North Korea: The North Korean economy is highly centralized and largely
controlled by the state. This has resulted in limited economic opportunities for
individuals. The country has faced food shortages and economic hardships,
leading to malnutrition and poor living conditions for many North Koreans.
•South Korea: In contrast, South Korea has experienced rapid economic growth
since the Korean War. The country's economy is market-driven, which has led
to a higher standard of living, better job opportunities, and access to consumer
goods for its citizens.
 Education in South Korea:
South Korea has a highly competitive and well-developed education system. Key
features include:
•Strong emphasis on academic excellence: South Korean students are known for their
rigorous study habits, with intense competition to gain admission to top universities.
•High literacy rate: South Korea boasts a high literacy rate and is globally recognized for
its strong educational outcomes.
•Investment in technology: South Korea has incorporated technology into its
educational system, with a focus on digital learning.

North Korean education system emphasizes ideological education, loyalty to the

regime, and the teaching of Juche ideology.
•Limited exposure to the outside world: Education in North Korea is highly
controlled, with restricted access to information from the outside world.
•Ideological indoctrination: The education system is focused on instilling loyalty
to the ruling regime, with significant emphasis on Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and
Kim Jong-un.
•Limited resources: There are reports of inadequate educational resources,
outdated materials, and limited opportunities for critical thinking.
 Healthcare in Korea
South Korea's healthcare system is considered advanced and offers a high standard of medical
care. Universal healthcare coverage: South Korea provides universal healthcare coverage
through the National Health Insurance (NHI) system, ensuring that most citizens have access to
medical services.
•Quality healthcare facilities: South Korea has modern and well-equipped hospitals and
medical facilities, attracting medical tourists from around the world.
•Innovative healthcare technology: South Korea is known for its technological advancements
in healthcare, including telemedicine and robotic surgery.

North Korea’s healthcare:

•Limited resources: North Korea's healthcare system is reported to lack
sufficient medical supplies and equipment, resulting in substandard care.
•Malnutrition: Malnutrition is a prevalent issue, leading to various health
problems, especially among children.
•Lack of access: Access to healthcare services is not universal, and there are
disparities between urban and rural areas.
Social and Cultural Impact:
North Korea: The isolation and government control in North Korea
have resulted in limited exposure to the outside world, leading to a
largely homogenous society with a strong emphasis on Juche
ideology and loyalty to the ruling regime. Cultural expression is
highly restricted.

South Korea: South Korea has a vibrant pop culture that has
gained global popularity, known as the Korean Wave
(Hallyu). South Koreans enjoy a more diverse and
cosmopolitan lifestyle, with freedom of expression in art,
music, and entertainment.

The impact of these differences is significant, as they shape the quality of life,
opportunities, and the overall well-being of individuals in both North and
South Korea. It's important to note that information about North Korea is often
limited and controlled, so sources on North Korea are often based on defector
accounts and external observations.
North Korea continues its isolation from much of the rest of the
world. Based on limited available information, North Korea’s
economic freedom score is 2.9, making its economy the least free in
the 2023 Index. North Korea is ranked last out of 39 countries in the
Asia–Pacific region. North Korea’s dictatorial leadership remains
unwilling to open or restructure its economy. Despite experimenting
with a few market reforms, the regime adheres to the system of state
command and control that has kept the country and its people near
bankruptcy for decades. The Communist Party controls every aspect
of economic activity.

South Korea’s economic freedom score is 73.7, making its economy the
15th freest in the 2023 Index. Its score is essentially unchanged from last
year. South Korea is ranked 5th out of 39 countries in the Asia–Pacific
region, and its overall score is above the world and regional averages.
The dynamic economy has demonstrated notable resilience. A vibrant
private sector bolstered by a well-educated labor force and high
capacity for innovation capitalizes on the country’s openness to global
commerce. A sound legal framework is firmly in place, but corruption
continues to undermine both government integrity and overall
economic freedom.
https://www.ohchr.org/en/hr-bodies/hrc/co-idprk/reportofthe-commissionof-inquiry-
dprk
https://www.brookings.edu/regions/asia-the-pacific/north-korea/
https://www.heritage.org/index/country/southkorea#government-size
https://www.heritage.org/index/country/northkorea
https://hdr.undp.org/data-center/specific-country-data#/countries/KOR
https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=social%20and%20culture%20korean&rs=
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