JOY ELLEN YOON — Consequences of Division

At the end of World War II in 1945, in order to ensure the liberation of Korea from Japanese occupation, the United Stated and Soviet Union decided to temporarily divided the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel. However, as the United States and Soviet Union established opposing political systems on the two sides, it soon became clear that this division would not be temporary. The onset of the cold war between these two superpowers directly threatened reunification of a nation that had existed since 2333 BC. Consequently, the Korean War broke out and the division between North and South Korea has remained until today.

Korea has primarily been a mono-ethnic culture for over 5,000 years. As a result, Koreans have a strong ethnic identity. Even though different regional and dialectical differences exist in Korea, both North and South Koreans speak the same language and have the same basic cultural foundation and ethnicity. Korea, as a result, is one of the strongest collectivistic cultures in the world with a deep-rooted cultural identity.

Historically, only one other time period significantly divided the nation of Korea. This time period was known as the “Three Kingdoms of Korea” and lasted from 372 AD until approximately 552 AD. Goguryeo Kingdom ruled the north, which is now both North Korea and parts of China; whereas three different kingdoms ruled the south. These three kingdoms were Baekje, Silla, and Gaya. Remnants of these ancient divisions can still be seen in modern-day South Korean culture and regional dialects, but since the 7th century, Korea has remained predominately a unified country for over 14 centuries.

Three Kingdoms Era on the Korean Peninsula

Unfortunately, this sense of mono-ethnicity is changing. Last December North Korea (DPRK) shifted its stance on inter-Korean relations to a “relationship between two hostile countries and two belligerents at war”. Up until this year, North Korea has viewed South Korea as a sister nation. A monument known as the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification existed on the southern outskirts of Pyongyang, representing unification principles created by the founding leader.

But on January 24, 2024, the Three-Point Charter for National Reunification monument was destroyed. With this demolition was the definitive end to any hopes for reunification on the Korean Peninsula. Chairman Kim added that North and South Korea are no longer considered the same ethnic, homogenous people, and thus reunification will no longer be pursued. Since this declaration, there has been no dialogue or cooperation between North and South Korea, and North Korea has taken down their propaganda websites targeting the South. This suggests that North Korea is revamping their entire political strategy.

Today many Koreans live outside the Korean Peninsula, as well. Koreans living abroad are commonly referred to as Korean diaspora, as they started spreading across the globe since the 1800’s. They now reside on almost every continent. The largest populations of Korean diaspora are in China, United States, and Japan.

Koreans residing in other countries often still retain their affiliation and heart for their homeland. In many ways, their ethnic identity is still more rooted in Korea than it is in their host country. One way in which Korean diaspora have retained this affiliation is through Korean schools that help diaspora maintain their ethnic identity and fluency in the language. Such schools exist in China and Japan, and in the United States often the Korean diaspora community offers additional Saturday classes to help Korean children learn and practice the language.

During a recent trip outside of Korea, I had the privilege of meeting up with several Korean diaspora. As I was discussing the recent political shifts on the Korean Peninsula with one particular gentleman, I observed a clear emotional response from him. This gentleman was an older gentleman in his 60’s or 70’s. He had been working for unification between North and South Korea his whole life. Even though he is a third-generation Korean diaspora, his life-long passion was to see restoration on the Korean Peninsula. “It’s understandable that North and South Korea are two distinct countries,” he explained. “But how can we say that Koreans are no longer considered the same ethnic, homogenous, people group?”

Tears were quietly streaming down his face. Hope for reconciliation is dissipating. Now more than ever is a critical time for peace on the Korean Peninsula. Currently, North and South Korea are at an impasse. These two countries have been frozen in war for the past 73 years. Declaring an end to the Korean War is essential, but what Korea really needs is complete restoration and wholeness. Koreans both on the peninsula and abroad seek for peace not only politically but also personally as the consequences of division still live on within their hearts and minds.