4.+Status


 * [[image:Korea_002.jpg width="800" height="591"]] ||

The war ended with a **ceasefire agreement** instead of a peace treaty. Thus, the two Koreas are still at war today. Even though both sides wanted to see a unified Korea, but because neither side is willing to step down, a peaceful unification is not possible. (As depicted in the cartoon above; the game represents the events / conflicts between the Koreas and the stakes represent the power of the two states.)

Unlike the scene in post-war Germany, where the two countries were forcibly separated (with NATO / Warsaw Pact armies on respective sides), sustained economic growth and were eager to unify, the Korean governments are less willing to sacrifice their interests for unification, with also political (ideological), economical and historical reasons. Certain South Korean governments taught its citizens to hate the North for its corrupt, totalitarian and communist government. North Korea also takes a harsh stand to retaliate occasionally by conducting millitary exercise near the DMZ.

__Current status:__


 * South Korea:**
 * Syngman Rhee's southern regime became even more dictatorial, and in 1960 he resigned after student riots
 * South Korea began slow economic development with the aid of USA and the UN after Rhee's departure.
 * Sustained economic growth occurs from the last decades of the last century.
 * The South reaches out to aid the North, but is sometimes faced by aggressive reaction


 * North Korea:**
 * Kim Il-sung developed a full-scale personality cult and the Juche idea, and ruled until his death in 1994
 * The country is still ruled under the Kim family's dictatorship and maintains unpredictable relations with other countries.
 * North Korea has developed a nuclear program, posing a threat to neighbouring countries.


 * Other countries:**
 * South Korea's open door policy and economic development allows it to have a firm stand internationally.
 * North Korea is criticised for its isolation policies and few countries maintain good relationship with it (exceptions include China, Pakistan and Russia)


 * Conflicts:**
 * Kidnapping of Kim Dae-jung in 1973 ?
 * KAL Flight 858 bombing, 1987
 * North Korean boycott of the 1988 Seoul Olympics (though both USSR and China sent athletes)
 * Naval conflict at Yeonpyeong, 1999
 * Sinking of ROKS Cheonan, 2010
 * Bombing of Yeonpyeong island, 2010


 * Reconcilation efforts:**
 * North Korean Red Cross efforts, 1984
 * North-South exchanges / Basic Agreement, 1989-1991
 * Sunshine Policy, 2000
 * Six-party talks, since late 20th century
 * Inter-Korean Summit, 2007