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The division of Korea has posed one of the most challenging international affairs dilemmas in modern history. Proof of the matter is the fact that until now, there has been no viable reunification process practical and cost-effective enough to undertake.
Since the division of Korea in 1945 and founding of separate states under American and Soviet influence in 1948, the two Koreas have pursued different national agendas and ways of doing things. It, however, seems absurd that the North and the South should have gone separate ways simply on the dictates of the great powers. Despite contrasting economic systems and forms of government, the two Koreas share the same people, language, and culture, as well as several thousand years of a rich and colorful history.
Over six decades later, North Korea remains committed to self-reliance, or what Pyongyang has called "Juche" since the 1960s. South Korea, too, especially after its democratic struggle in the 1980s, has held on to its ideals and developed strong social institutions. On one hand, the two Koreas have been able to maintain the status quo and avoid a repeat of the Korean War of 1950 to 1953, despite tensions. On the other hand, the North has stagnated and now stands as one of the poorest nations in the world, with most of its people dependent...