korean unification studies

Think of this scenario. North Korea collapses. The Korean tax payer is loaded with a new Value Added Tax (VAT) and a hefty income tax to pay for unification. Japan, the United States, China all come to the party and contribute significant amounts to help stabilise and reform the north. But only then do people [...]

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The ROK Defense Ministry has stated in a report to the National Assembly that North Korea has deployed a large number of troops and arms near Pyongyang. According to the Chosun Ilbo: South Korea’s defense ministry said in a report to Parliament Tuesday that the large numbers of soldiers, armored vehicles and artillery have been [...]

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There is a perennial question in Korean unification studies – should humanitarian and food aid be provided to North Korea? Grand National Party (GNP) spokesman Ahn Hyoung-hwan stated that government leaders are reviewing whether to provide food aid after a meeting on Sunday with the party’s chairman. This question will always be here… here are [...]

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I reckon this extract from a Reuters report on the re-establishment of rail links says a lot about what drives South Korean unification policy: Cargo trains will cross the heavily fortified border dividing North and South Korea every day from next month, restoring a link severed for more than half a century, South Korea’s Unification Ministry said [...]

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An ROK National Assembly Special Committee on Budget and Accounts has estimated that unification could cost around 1 trillion dollars – yes, 1 trillion – with the cost increasing further over time. The report notes the difference in timing. If unification occurs in 2015, it could cost around $858 billion over 10 years to absorb the North. If unification occurs in 2030, it [...]

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Which should be first, ending the Korean War with a Peace Treaty or disarming North Korea’s nuclear programs? Ask anyone from the US and they will more than likely say that disarming North Korea should be first. North Korea’s nuclear programs are potentially a threat to their interests. Ask a South Korean and you may well get a [...]

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Over the last 5 years there has been a lot said about a rise in anti-Americanism in South Korea. Some commentators have gone so far to view it as the end of an era, as South Korea cuts the final threads of an alliance that has lasted more than 50 years. But is it really ending? One blogger [...]

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From the woodwork come all the Korea analysts with their two cents worth on the upcoming leaders summit… and some of it aint half bad. Andrei Lankov has a pice at the IHT, with the biting line: “Seoul does not want North Korea to implode in a democratic revolution or a popular uprising – partially [...]

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