North and South Korea: A Divided History
A Complex Past
North and South Korea, once united, have been divided for over seven decades. They share a language and cultural heritage yet have followed vastly different political paths.
Colonial Rule and Division
Japan's annexation of the Korean Peninsula in 1910 marked the beginning of a period of colonial oppression. When Japan surrendered in 1945, Korea was divided along the 38th parallel. The Soviet Union occupied the north, while the United States occupied the south.
Ideological Differences
After the war, the two Koreas adopted contrasting political ideologies. North Korea became a communist state under the leadership of Kim Il-sung, while South Korea embraced a capitalist democracy. This ideological divide led to a series of conflicts and tensions, including the Korean War (1950-1953).
Recent Developments
In recent years, North Korea has accelerated its development of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles. This has raised concerns among the international community and has led to increased tensions with South Korea and its allies. Despite numerous diplomatic efforts, the two Koreas remain divided, their future uncertain.
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