Why Did Korea Split in to North and South?

Summary

This video explores the historical roots of the division between North and South Korea, highlighting the influence of external powers like the US and Soviet Union post-WWII. It delves into the initial unity under the Silla Dynasty, the subsequent Japanese rule, and the arbitrary split along the 38th Parallel. The script also touches on the Korean War and the establishment of the demilitarized zone, setting the stage for the ongoing ideological conflict and the potential for reunification.

Takeaways

• 🌎 Relations between North and South Korea have been historically tense.
• 🤝 The meeting between Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-In led to a temporary shift in South Korean public opinion about the North Korean leader.
• 🏰 The division of Korea began after World War II, influenced by the geopolitical interests of the USA and the Soviet Union.
• 📜 The 38th Parallel was chosen as the dividing line without Korean input, leading to the split of the country.
• 👑 Both North and South Korea were influenced by their respective superpower patrons, with Syngman Rhee in the South and Kim Il-Sung in the North.
• 🔥 The Korean War (1950-1953) was an attempt by North Korea to unify the peninsula under communist rule but resulted in a stalemate.
• 💔 Approximately 3 million people died during the Korean War, with the division of Korea remaining unchanged.
• 🏡 The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established to prevent further conflict and to control the movement of people between the two Koreas.
• 🌐 North Korea adopted a strict communist system, while South Korea embraced capitalism and democratic values.
• 🇺🇸 The United States maintains a military presence in South Korea, with approximately 28,000 troops stationed there.

Q & A

What was the initial perception of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un by South Koreans and the world?

Initially, most South Koreans and the world saw Kim Jong Un as an evil dictator.

How did the perception of Kim Jong Un change after his meeting with South Korea's president?

After the meeting with Moon Jae-In, some South Koreans referred to Kim Jong Un as a cute teddy bear.

What is the historical relationship between the USA and North Korea?

The USA and North Korea have had a tense relationship, with the North not being in the USA's good books.

How did the division of Korea begin?

The division of Korea began after World War II, when the country was split into two zones of occupation by the US and the Soviet Union.

What was the role of the First Sino-Japanese War in shaping Korea's history?

The First Sino-Japanese War led to Japan becoming a powerful empire and eventually annexing the Korean Peninsula in 1910.

What was the significance of the Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and Navigation between Korea and the US?

The treaty opened up trade and modern industries in Korea, but it also led to China trying to reform and run the country.

Who were Dean Rusk and Charles Bonesteel, and what was their role in Korea's division?

Dean Rusk and Charles Bonesteel were Americans responsible for making decisions in US-occupied territories in East Asia, and they came up with the idea of splitting Korea along the 38th Parallel.

Why did the US and the Soviet Union decide to split Korea into two parts?

The US and the Soviet Union split Korea to administer the country after Japan's defeat in World War II, without Korea having a say in the matter.

How did the US and the Soviet Union's differing ideologies affect the governance of North and South Korea?

The US wanted democratic governments in both North and South Korea, while the Soviets wanted the entire peninsula to be communist, leading to a divide between the two.

What was the outcome of the Korean War?

The Korean War resulted in 3 million deaths and ultimately did not change the division of Korea at the 38th Parallel.

What is the demilitarized zone, and why was it established?

The demilitarized zone was established to prevent further conflict and bloodshed between North and South Korea, and to prevent people from reuniting or escaping.

Outlines

00:00

🌏 Historical Tensions and Relations Between North and South Korea

This paragraph discusses the historical context and recent developments in the relationship between North and South Korea. It highlights the surprise meeting between Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-In, which led to a shift in South Korean public opinion about the North Korean leader. The paragraph also delves into the origins of the division between the two Koreas, starting from their unification under the Silla Dynasty in the 7th century up to the aftermath of World War II. The role of external powers like China, Japan, and the United States in shaping Korea's history is emphasized, particularly the decision by the US and the Soviet Union to split Korea along the 38th Parallel without consulting the Korean people.

05:01

🏛 The Division of Korea and Its Aftermath

This paragraph continues the narrative of Korea's division, focusing on the immediate post-World War II period. It outlines how the United States and the Soviet Union divided Korea without the consent of the Korean people, with the 38th Parallel serving as the boundary. The differing economic strengths of the North and South at the time of division are mentioned, as well as the political ideologies imposed by the Soviets and the Americans, respectively. The paragraph also covers the installation of leaders in both halves of Korea, the rise of personality cults, and the outbreak of the Korean War. It concludes with the establishment of the demilitarized zone, the ongoing ideological conflict, and the presence of US troops in South Korea. The paragraph ends with a call to action for viewers to engage with the content and share their thoughts on the topic.

Keywords

💡Wix

Wix is a web development platform that allows users to create websites with ease. In the context of the video, it is mentioned as the sponsor, promoting their premium plans and showcasing their website creation capabilities. The script uses Wix as an example of how technology can simplify complex tasks, like building a website, which aligns with the video's theme of exploring historical complexities through a modern lens.

💡North Korea

North Korea is a country located in East Asia, known for its secretive and authoritarian government. The video discusses the changing perceptions of North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un, illustrating the complexity of international relations. The keyword is central to the video's theme, as it explores the historical division and the current state of North Korea in relation to South Korea.

💡South Korea

South Korea is a democratic nation in East Asia, often contrasted with its northern counterpart due to their differing political systems. The video script uses South Korea to highlight the stark differences in governance and societal structure that arose from the division of the Korean Peninsula, emphasizing the impact of historical events on modern nation-states.

💡Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un is the current leader of North Korea, often portrayed in the media as an authoritarian figure. The video script mentions his meeting with South Korea's president, Moon Jae-In, which led to a shift in public perception. This keyword is crucial as it represents the ongoing dynamics between the two Koreas and the potential for diplomatic relations.

💡Moon Jae-In

Moon Jae-In is mentioned as the president of South Korea who met with Kim Jong Un, indicating a moment of potential reconciliation. His role in the script underscores the importance of leadership in international diplomacy and the possibility of peace through dialogue.

💡38th Parallel

The 38th Parallel refers to the latitude at which the Korean Peninsula was divided into North and South after World War II. The video uses this term to illustrate the arbitrary nature of the division and its lasting impact on the Korean people. It is a central concept in understanding the origins of the division and the ongoing tensions.

💡Silla Dynasty

The Silla Dynasty is mentioned as the period when Korea was first united, providing historical context for the video's discussion on the division of Korea. It serves to highlight the long-standing unity of the Korean people before external forces led to the split.

💡Second World War

The Second World War is a significant historical event that had a profound impact on the geopolitical landscape, including the division of Korea. The video uses the war as a backdrop to explain how Korea became a pawn in the power struggles between the Allied powers, leading to its division.

💡Russo-Japanese War

The Russo-Japanese War is referenced to show the historical competition for influence in East Asia, which set the stage for later events like the division of Korea. It illustrates the long-term interests of foreign powers in the region and their impact on Korea's sovereignty.

💡Syngman Rhee

Syngman Rhee is noted as the leader installed by the United States in South Korea, representing the influence of external powers in shaping the political landscape of the divided Korea. His mention in the script highlights the role of the US in establishing a pro-Western government in South Korea.

💡Korean War

The Korean War is a three-year conflict that further solidified the division between North and South Korea. The video uses this term to illustrate the tragic consequences of the division and the ongoing struggle for unification, marking a significant point in the history of the Korean Peninsula.

Highlights

North and South Korea have had tense relations for a long time.

A historic meeting between Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-In occurred this year.

Perceptions of Kim Jong Un changed after the meeting, with some South Koreans calling him a 'cute teddy bear'.

Despite a third summit being proposed, North Korea is not in the USA's good books.

The USA closely watches the relationship between North and South Korea.

North and South Koreans are very similar in many ways, including culturally and linguistically.

The division of Korea can be traced back to the Second World War.

Japan's victory over Russia and its annexation of Korea had significant historical implications.

Korea was divided at the 38th Parallel by the USA and the Soviet Union post-WWII.

The division was decided without any Korean input.

The USA and Soviet Union had differing visions for Korea's political system.

Syngman Rhee was installed as the leader of South Korea, and Kim Il-Sung in the North.

The concept of a 'god-like' leader was introduced in North Korea.

The Korean War began when Kim Il-Sung wanted to rule the entire peninsula.

The Korean War resulted in 3 million deaths and no significant change in the division.

A demilitarized zone was established to prevent further conflict.

North Korea adopted communism, while South Korea embraced capitalism and individual freedom.

The USA maintains a military presence in South Korea.

Wix is highlighted as a sponsor for creating websites, with a special offer for viewers.

Transcripts

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Relations between North and South Korea have been rather

tense for some time. Which might be -- an understatement.

But this year we saw North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un

walked over the border to shake hands with South Korea's

president, Moon Jae-In. Until then, most South

Koreans and most of the world, for that matter, saw that

North's head honcho is some kind of evil dictator.

After the meeting, some South Koreans referred to him

as a cute teddy bear.

So, is everything okay now?

Following handshakes and slaps on the shoulder?

Well, even though a third summit has been proposed

between the two leaders, right now the North isn't exactly

in the USA's good books.South Korea's big

brothers certainly watches over this relationship like a

brooding mother. Let's have a look at how this division started.

In this episode of The Infographics Show, why did

North and South Korea split? You probably already

know that North and South Koreans are very similar in

many ways, even culturally.

The language is pretty much exactly the same, except for

a few small differences. You could say that North Korea likes

to keep the language free from impurities, such as borrowing

words from English. But besides regional dialects

being slightly different, we can say you speak Korean,

not North or South Korean. North and South

Korea originally came

together in the 7th century under Silla Dynasty,

and they remained united up until 1945.

So, what happened? How could a country united

for so long suddenly just split in two?

The answer is WAR. The SECOND WORLD WAR.

But it's a bit more complicated than that. Prior to the

second world war, there was something called the First Sino-Japanese

war, which was a war between China and Japan

between 1884 and 1895.

Based on a western industrial model, Japan had become

a very powerful country in the 19th century. No longer

a backwater, as the members of the

British empire used to call it. Japan emerged

as an empire itself. Korea, on the other hand,

had been rather fearful of foreigners and western industrialization, especially the elite that ruled

over the country. They didn't want outsiders messing in their

business. But then, in 1880, things started to change.

Korean diplomats went on a mission to Japan that

year. While in Japan, they were presented with a study

from a Chinese diplomat, which was called

"A Strategy for Korea". In part, that study

warned that the Russians were coming. It also said

"Stay friendly us, the Chinese, and don't get

on the wrong side of Japan." Japan wasn't at an immediate threat at that time, but the Chinese diplomat advised the

Koreans to stay close with the burgeoning nation, at the same time,

Korean was also advised to form

good relations with the United States, who also could provide

protection from the Russian juggernaut.

In 1882, Korea signed a treaty with the US, called the

"The Treaty of Peace, Amity, Commerce and

Navigation".

So far, so good.

Open trade, modern industries, and the bonus of added protections.

But, there was a catch.

The Chinese wanted the treaty to say that the Korea belonged to China.

The Americans were not keen on that, and insisted that

Korea was independent.

In the end, they agreed that Korea had a kind of independent status,

but was still a tributary state of China.

To cut the long story short,

China had a massive influence on Korea,

and tried to reform the country.

That was in line with embracing some western ideas,

and using western technology.

So, Korea became more modernized to some extend.

China just kept pushing and soon was involved in running Korea

as well as dispatching its own troops there.

We can't spend too much time on this, but the war between the Japanese and

China was fought hardly in Korea.

Japan came out on top and in 1910

the country annexed the Korean Peninsula.

From then until the end of the second world war,

Korea was part of the Japanese empire.

This wasn't exactly great news for many Koreans

as some historians said the Japanese treated them like

second class citizens.

But then, the war ended,

and Japan was on the losing side.

What to do with Korea?

That was in the hands of the winners.

The allied powers.

"No more empire for you", said the allies to Japan.

It was up to the USA to take over the administration side of Korea,

but it wasn't keen on the idea of running the country.

The Soviet Union was keen,

and wanted the land it thought it deserved.

Russia had lost a war with Japan in the early 20th century,

called the Russo-Japanese War.

That's why the Soviets, to some extend, at least,

thought they deserved control of Korea.

Under developed Korea, for so long had been standing between

these giants of Japan, China and Russia,

and basically everyone, at some point,

wanted a piece of it.

Or should we say -- all of it.

It was actually quite surprising that the Japanese had defeated

the Russian empire.

And so perhaps Russia had been left with some eggs on his face.

After winning wars both against China and Russia,

the Wests knew that Japan certainly was a mightier power.

But that ended with its defeat at the hands of the US

in the second world war.

Two Americans called Dean Rusk and Charles Bonesteel

had the responsibility of making orders in the

US occupied territories in East Asia.

They came up with the idea of splitting Korea into two,

almost in half,

divided by what's called "The 38th Parallel".

This was done without Korea having a word in it.

The Americans said that half the country would be run

by the Soviets, and half by them.

Not surprisingly, America got the better half of the cake,

which included the more modern city of Seoul.

That's not to say that North wasn't out bad,

it too had many major heavy industries;

the South had the light industries.

Soviet leader, Joseph Stalin

and President Roosevelt

agreed to the split, while the Koreans were not even invited to the meeting.

Of course, many Koreans were passionately against this,

but not those that had ties to the Soviet Communist Party.

Actually, at the end of the war,

many Koreans from the North and South were over the moon.

FINALLY

They would get their independence back.

Brothers in arms, they embraced in plan for the future together,

but of course, that didn't happened.

Brothers in arms were about to become quarreling siblings.

Soviet forces quickly took a control from the

Japanese forces in the North;

and in the South

the same happened with the Americans.

Easy.

Well, not really.

The US, as we know,

was afraid of the spread of communism

as one might fear an outbreak of Ebola.

The country didn't even want any of the South Korean political parties

to have much say and how of the now half country

was wrong.

Just in case they lean ever so slightly to the left,

as things turned out the US wanted both North and South

to have a democratic government and democratic principles,

while the Soviets wanted the entire peninsula to be communist.

Now, we have a divide of the former two allies,

although America had been wary of communism for a long time.

The US and Soviet leaders were even supposed to meet in 1948

to discuss the idea of reunifying Korea,

and leaving the country to its own devices.

But, both countries were so afraid of

the other that this didn't happen.

In 1948,

the Americans pretty much installed their own idea

of a good leader for the South.

A staunch anti communist called Syngman Rhee;

the Soviets installed Kim Il-Sung as leader.

He'd been a fighter in the Red Army,

and of course, was a puppet for the Soviet Empire

as much as Rhee was the puppet for the empire

that dare not speak its name -- i.e. America.

Like Stalin,

the North had to be ruled by a

God-like character, and the cult of personality

was sewn into the minds of those Koreans living in the North.

You must remember at this point,

the Koreans were still just Koreans,

they'd been split in half without any saying in it.

Of course, North Koreans were not born with

such things as supreme leaders,

and all that attended propaganda.

But, if you feel like Plato,

you've heard of the "Noble Lie".

Plato said that

"If the elite must rule, they must tell a huge offer,

create a mythology for the not so clever public consumption".

Plato said that he was noble because the normal folks

need this lie to bring them together under one great

myth, just as religion brought people together under one

truth.

Plato said if the first generation don't buy it,

the second will, mostly.

And you'll have the 3th completely,

if you fill their heads with his idea from being children.

That's how many North Koreans became so enamoured

with their godly leader.

Well, that and fear.

But then in 1950,

Kim Il-sung got ambitious,

and decided he wanted to rule the whole peninsula.

That was the start of a three-year long war

called "The Korean War".

The Americans joined the South with other countries

of the United Nations,

and they defeated the North.

3 million people died,

and in the end nothing at all really changed,

Korea was still divided at the 38th Parallel.

After that, the demilitarized zone was set up

to prevent more blood from being spilled, and to prevent

people from reuniting or escaping.

People did get through though,

most of the Northerners trying to get into the South.

Both countries though, soon became enemies,

or at least enemies in ideas.

The North was strictly communist with its Korean workers party,

and the South espoused capitalism, individual freedom, and American values.

The Americans have kept bases in Korea's sense,

as you watch this,

there are about 28,000 US troops base in South Korea.

Will they stay?

Or will they go?

Well, you'll have to keep your eyes on the news.

Sadly, some North and South Koreans still hate each other.

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could any of this been avoided?

would you hate the other half of Korea if you lived in either the North or the South

are you Korean? let us know in the comments

also be sure to check out North Korean vs South Korean how do they compare?

thanks for watching and as always don't forget

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