Understanding of North-South Relations.(1)

The rapid growth of South Korea`s economy increased the country`s status on the world stage, with Korean pop culture, otherwise known as the the Korean Wave(hallyu), gaining more and more popularity worldwide. However, many foreigners often think of " North Korea " and " division " between the two countries when they hear the word "Korea". As a single nation-state, Korea has a history going back five millennia. However , the first half of the 20th century was marked by Japanese colonial rule for 35 years, World War 2, the Cold War, and the Korean War. The North and South have remained divided for over 70 years with their opposing political ideologies and economic systems.

Japan won the 1st Sino-Japanese War(1894-1895) and the Russo-Japanese War(1904-1905). With strengthened political and military influence, Japan took over the Korean peninsula for 35 years(1910-1945). After World War 2, Japan surrendered to the Allies, and the Korean peninsula was liberated from Japanese colonial rule. However, the US Army and the Soviets arrived shortly thereafter to disarm the Japanese troops. Separated by the 38th Parallel, the US was stationed in the South, while the Soviet military stayed in the North.