Korean Reunification : A Hisorical Perspective for a Soft-Landing?

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

A tremendous amount of scholarship is being dedicated to the subject of Korean reunification. Politicians and scholars are devoting effort and energy to the ultimate goal of joining the two countries. This piece is going to add to the crowded discussion, but through the lens of a historian, as it attempts to synthesize key actions of foreign powers in the peninsula. A careful examination of a historical perspective of the Korean division affords a critical insight into the feasibility of other countries aiding a 'soft-landing' of Korean reunification. However, this writer does not want to grossly oversimplify the confusing and complex subject of reunification, or the roles played by the foreign actors. The Korean division is, at best, a difficult subject ; and at worst, an extremely slippery one. This paper is attempting to grasp the role of foreign powers from 1945 to present, and their parts in the division of Korean. However, it will not attempt to summarize a century of history in this short piece. But this paper will focus on the reasons for mutual mistrust, apprehension, and suspicion between North Korea, South Korea, and other actors. It is also going to portray the hotly debated topic of these other countries and their roles in the reunification of Korea (since some initially lead to the spilt). The lens, spirit and methodology for a soft-landing is the final thrust of this short piece.