...Grace Lee 105 Korea The Political Philosophy of Juche Grace Lee Introduction The political philosophy known as juche became the official autarkic state ideology of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) in 1972.1 Although foreign scholars often describe juche as “self-reliance,” the true meaning of the term is much more nuanced. Kim Il Sung explained: Establishing juche means, in a nutshell, being the master of revolution and reconstruction in one’s own country. This means holding fast to an independent position, rejecting dependence on others, using one’s own brains, believing in one’s own strength, displaying the revolutionary spirit of self-reliance, and thus solving one’s own problems for oneself on one’s own responsibility under all circumstances. The DPRK claims that juche is Kim Il Sung’s creative application of Marxist-Leninist principles to the modern political realities in North Korea.2 Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il have successfully wielded the juche idea as a political shibboleth to evoke a fiercely nationalistic drive for North Korean independence and to justify policies of self-reliance and self-denial in the face of famine and economic stagnation in North Korea. Kim Il Sung envisioned three specific applications of juche philosophy: political and ideological independence, especially from the Soviet Union and China; economic self-reliance and self-sufficiency; and a viable national defense system.3 This paper begins with a discussion of the three...
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...PESTLE analysis PESTLE ANALYSIS Summary South Korea has been politically stable since becoming a democratic state. However, its relationship with North Korea continues to present a strong challenge. South Korea fell into a brief financial crisis in 1997 due to structural weakness in the banking sector, however strong economic and financial reforms quickly countered the downturn and put the country back on a growth path by the following year. With the opening up of markets after the financial crisis in 1997, the country became one of the largest technology markets in the world. As far as social issues are concerned, the country has low population growth and fertility rates, leading to an ageing population. Furthermore, the country has a highly qualified labor force, which makes it possible to both produce and commercialize advanced technologies. The country is also well equipped with extensive broadband network and telecommunication facilities. Legal procedures in the country are time consuming and complex, which makes it very difficult for foreign investors. The environmental scenario of the country is characterized by the breach of emission standards, which is reaching unreasonable limits in spite of its relatively small area and population in comparison to other countries. Republic of Korea: Country Analysis Report – In-depth PESTLE Insights © Datamonitor. This brief is a licensed product and is not to be photocopied Published 06/2008 Page 11 PESTLE...
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...speak. Tourism is a nonstop global industry and for this project I took a look at some of the recent trends for the market and will also analyze the some common themes amongst them. The first major thing that most Americans are following very closely is the current situation with North Korea. With the political uncertainty and military threats it makes one question any potential visits to the countries around North Korea. The other countries are aware of the devastating effects that North Korea could have on their tourism revenue and have issued statements that it is still safe to visit. Seoul, South Korea believes that North Korea is doing this on purpose to harm their local economy and is doing everything in their power to convince the world that day to day life in Seoul is the same (Cha). Even countries who are typically allies with North Korea are considering shutting down travel until the North Korea has stabilized. China brings more tourists to North Korea than nearly any other country yet they are not willing to take any risks. The tourism board in Dandong, China has shut down the border which will likely end up severely hurting North Korea’s tourism. This was its exact intention for South Korea and is now backfiring and may be a clear sign for China’s view on Kim Jong Un (Fisher). This has not stopped Chinese travelers from getting away from home, however. One article pointed out that China has become the largest source of travel spending in the world. The United States...
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...Bringing Western Culture to South Korea via Nursing Home, Plastic Surgery, Clothing and Makeup Jacob Schwarz Executive Summary My reason for writing this study is to determine the feasibility of building a nursing/retirement home, a plastic surgery outpatient center, and a cosmetic and clothing store in Seoul, South Korea. In my opinion, South Korea is welcoming to this venture; this can be seen in the upcoming research. In this report, I explore the geography of Seoul, South Korea. I learn of the growing, large, population and the population density of 45,000 people per square mile (“Population Statistics,” 2013). Next, I review the demographics and find out that minority groups consist of 2.2% of the population (Population Statistics, 2013). While reviewing the demographics I found that the education system is extremely strict; though it is more lenient now, it is still success driven (Chakrabarti, 2013). I also found that religion is not going to be an issue with this venture, in my opinion. There are two major religions; the major Christian religion will be implemented in the venture (Koo, n.d.). Education and demographics are important to a global business venture, though I believe the economy is most important. I present information about South Korea’s economy, and how it has transformed from an aid recipient to a donor country (Globalization, n.d.). Here is where I mention the chaebol’s success, which accounted for 55.7% of South Koreas GDP in 2010 (Globalization, n...
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...On June 25, 1950, the North Korean People's Army backed by communist China and the USSR swept across the 38th parallel in an attempt to invade South Korea (Jasper, Para. 2). This hostile act led to what is now known as the Korean War. The outcome of this bloody war resulted in the deaths of over 4 million civilians and soldiers. The implications of this tragic event 65 years later is very prominent in the Korean Peninsula. North Korea is perhaps one of the most isolated countries in the modern 21st century unlike its counterpart South Korea, which is one of the worlds most industrial nations. The two sides are infamously separated by the demilitarized zone, which is a 205-kilometer border barrier (Szczepanski, Para. 31). In the past decade,...
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...North Korea Hermit Kingdom 27 FEB 2016 Life In North Korea One of a series of drawings of public executions created by North Korean refugee child showing the stages and manner of public execution in North Korea. Factual accuracy was later confirmed by news reports and a video taken and smuggled from North Korea to Japan. Picture credit: North Korea Genocide Exhibit As one of the only remaining closed societies in the world, North Korea has garnered global attention to what is sealed off within its borders. Despite the ongoing food crisis that has lasted for two decades and the whimsical leadership under the 'Kim' family, life manages to go on in Hermit Kingdom. A man gathering grass as a source of food from a park. Picture credit: Eric Lafforgue North Koreans are constantly under the scrutiny of the state. Neighbourhood watch groups know as the Inminban are deployed in all villages. A female junior official usually heads the group and her main tasks are to look out for any suspicious activities within her jurisdiction and ensure there are no 'contraband' items like DVDs of South Korea and tuneable radio sets. Instilling fear and propaganda are the two main tools the North Korean government use to ensure obedience of its citizens. People are often required to attend public execution where political dissidents and transgressors are shot to death on the spot. Statues and figures of the Kim family are ubiquitous. The government is...
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...Ty Tran Mr. Waagen Honors English 10 24 March 2014 North Korean Starvation “Think about a population that’s totally dependent on rations from the government, and we know that these rations are going to run out,” said Nutrition Specialist Mandana Arabi, “There are really not a lot of resources they can tap into” (UNICEF). North Korea, for years on the edge of famine, have crossed the boundary, and dropped into the dark abyss. Food is rationed to one-fifth the necessary amount for survival, up to 5 million people could starve to death within the year, and 80,000 children are in "imminent peril" of starvation (UNICEF). North Korea, formally known as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea,” is susceptible to food crises because of political and economic isolation, extreme militarization, and climate change. Last year, widespread flooding in the country’s main rice producing region resulted in a poor harvest, plus an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease, which affected the cattle used to harvest crops, also exacerbated shortages (Ahn). North Korea’s suffering has gotten out of hand, such that some of the DPRK’s citizens have resorted to cannibalism. The majority of North Korea’s population relies solely on food rations, like pennies on a dollar; the amount of people relying on rations far outweighs the total amount of food being distributed. The World Food Program (WFP) indicates that food rations in 2005 were at approximately 200-250 grams per person per day, approximately...
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...Will North Korea in due time undergo changes or experience implosions sooner or later ? Is a big changing or a revolution similar to the Arab Spring possible in North Korea? The answer from me and most scholars and intelligence analysts has been ‘‘NO’’ The Pyongyang regime’s stability in the aftermath of the events in the Middle East and North Africa is an ‘‘old question’’ that was answered in the 1990s when the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea) faced the most critical test of its life, and survived. The collapse of the Soviet Union, the drastic cuts in patron aid from China, and the onset of famine that killed hundreds of thousands all constituted the ultimate test of DPRK stability, and the regime staggered on through it all.(1) There are five potential variables that could bring the Arab Spring to North Korea’s doorstep: individual socio-economic development, rates of economic growth (rising expectations), demography (youthful population), the contagion effect, or regime type. Do we see the possibility for change in the DPRK from any of these? Not really. In the months since Kim Jong-un has been in power, most telling is the way he remains overshadowed by his late father and grandfather. Kim jong Un's a contrast to his introverted dad, Kim Jong Il. In power for more than a year, Kim is very much an extrovert who loves to appear in public, watch his beloved hoops and deliver speeches. "Much of his behavior may be political theater aimed at convincing...
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...NATIONAL DEFENSE UNIVERSITY NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE NORTH KOREA: AN ARGUMENT TO JUMPSTART THE ECONOMIC ENGINE LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN D. BIRD II, USAF NATIONAL WAR COLLEGE CLASS OF 2007 COURSE 6300, SEMINAR K NON-MILITARY ELEMENTS OF STATECRAFT FACULTY SEMINAR LEADER: AMBASSADOR JAMES B. FOLEY FACULTY ADVISOR: COLONEL THOMAS GRIFFITH, USAF 29 NOVEMBER 2006 Bird 1 On October 8, 2005, North Korea detonated a nuclear device, and forever changed the global political landscape. Despite the best efforts of the United States, China, South Korea, Japan, and Russia, the isolationist regime was not deterred from joining the elite nuclear club.1 Now faced with the prospect of North Korean nuclear proliferation, the world is undoubtedly a more dangerous place to live in. Over the last 50 years, virtually all the instruments of national power have been brought to bear in an effort to solve the security dilemma presented by the North Korean regime. The detonation on October 8th suggests these previous strategies were not nearly effective enough. A nuclear armed North Korea presents a grave danger that should force us to reexamine our policy. This paper focuses on the economic instrument, examines how it has been utilized over the last 15 years in both the Clinton and Bush administrations, and offers some thoughts on a desired endstate of North Korean economic integration. The Context--the Fall of Communism The fall of the Berlin wall was a watershed event in man’s political, social, and economic...
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...North Korea in Japanese is written as 朝鮮民主主義人民共和国. Japanese people generally use this name all the time we call North Korea, but this name is really controversial because of the meaning of the Chinese characteristics “民主主義 (min-shu-shu-gi)”. “民主主義” means democracy in Japanese. Is North Korea a democratic country like North Korea is described with democracy in Japanese? To begin with, what does North Korea go in for? It is suspicious that North Korea applies to just one thing from many options such as socialism, democracy, capitalism, communism, or liberalism. Everyday Life in The North Korean Revolution, 1945-1950 by Suzy Kim, North Korea Markets and Military Rule by Hazel Smith, and other articles demonstrate if it is true or not. By looking...
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...Korea had been a colony of Japan since 1910. Along with the surrender of Japan in the World War II in 1945, the colonial period that had lasted for 35 years ended. As one can imagine, Korean people were extraordinarily happy when the Japanese announced surrender, since they could eventually get rid of the harsh days – of the language deprivation that they were forced to abandon Korean and adopt Japanese, and of family members having been sent overseas to serve the Japanese in all manners including being comfort women, and so forth. However, they did not know the Liberation was the start of another catastrophic period of time. The political vacuum engaged the United States and the Soviets who then occupied the peninsula, and caused a series of aftermath including the division of the nation which so-far seems to be permanent, and the tragic Korean War which lasted for four years. This essay briefly discusses the issues that took place in the period of 1945-50, after the Japanese surrender and before the Korean War that broke out on 25th June, 1950. A multilateral trusteeship of postwar Korea was suggested by the United States to the Soviets at the end of 1943, during the World War II. And when Japan signaled the intention of unconditional surrender to the World War II on 10th August 1945, the United States proposed temporary division of Korea along the 38th parallel of latitude for political and military purposes. The Soviets were in Korea fighting Japan at the Japanese...
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...OVERVIEW OF SOUTH KOREA WOOD, WILLY 09, JULY, 2015 Introduction This paper is an analysis of the country of South Korea. Using the operational variables of PMESII-PT this paper will identify the current situation in South Korea and the countries current issues. The overall objective is to understand the motives of South Korea. Political The Republic of Korea has a liberal democratic political system. South Koreas political foundation resides in the sovereignty of the people and the responsibility to maintain every citizen’s welfare. Currently the president of South Korea is Park Geun-hye. The 11th and first female president was elected on February 25th, 2013. With Korea’s limited 5 year presidency she has until 2018 to implement her current goals. President Park’s main goals are to maintain the prosperity and safety of her country. She believes that one day tensions will cease with North Korea and continually pushes for a peaceful unification despite the constant threats and military provocations of North Korea. As long as the United States and South Korea maintain their strong relationship, Park said, "You may rest assured, no North Koreans provocation can succeed."(1) North Korea is a shared enemy of the US and the Republic of Korea. The ROK relies on the US for protection against a possible invasion of North Korea and in return the US maintains a strategic hold in Southeast Asia. Military The ROC currently has the 7th strongest military power...
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...1 Although the people of North and South Korea speak the same language, they have many different ideas and cultures that have developed after the two countries split apart. The market economy of South Korea has done a lot to improve the overall economy of the country, and the gross national product has been on the rise. The economy of North Korea has had many challenges, largely due to the self-reliant and closed economic system that they use. Overall, the government and economy of South Korea has been more prosperous and successful than North Korea. Much of this is due to the fact that in North Korea, they have a completely closed and centrally planned economic system which tends to inhibit their growth. The fact that South Korea operates under a democratic ideology, and has a capitalist economy seems to have given South Korea somewhat of an advantage. Because of their closed economic system, North Korea has refused to trade with capitalistic countries, and is only now showing more of an inclination to open communications up more even with South Korea. North Korea is one of the few command economies still standing. After the Second World War, the Korean peninsula was divided into North Korea and South Korea. North Korea, under the influence of the Soviet Union, established a command economy that emphasized government ownership and central government planning. South Korea, protected by the United State, established a market economy based upon private ownership and...
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...(U) The North Korean culture has remained a mystery to outsiders since it was founded in 1948. Due to this, it has been deemed the "Hermit Kingdom" by many. North Korea is led by Kim Jong – Un. He is a fierce dictator who initiated the "Military First" policy forcing his country into further isolation. Politics, economy, military, and even information is closely regulated in North Korea. It can be argued that due to the isolation the people of North Korea have faced, the United States would most likely face difficulties if they attempted to invade this country. (U) North Korea is a Communist state. Politically, there is no freedom and the people of North Korea have no opinions or choice as to who their leadership will be. Elections are held, but the citizens must not vote against the Kim family. If they choose to do so, they...
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...PESTEE Analysis Korea Political Analysis Political factors refer to political situation of the country and the extent to which it may affect and interfere with the project. Political system of South Korea has undergone a huge transformation to become a democratic country in 1987. South Korea became a stable democracy with strong political and economic support from the US The political landscape of the country include centralization of power which the implementation of economic reforms became faster and effective so that the country was fully focused on economic development and friendly to foreign investments, especially strengthening foreign relationships with emphasis on EU. According to economic forecast, South Korea is to become the seventh largest economy in the world within next ten years. Though the fact the relationship with North Korea remain tense and uneasy, the government aims to solve this situation in better way. Since crisis in 1997, the government opened the South Korean market to foreign investors by identifying Foreign direct investment (FDI) and abolished the harmful regulations on foreigner shareholdings in domestic companies. The taxation system and particularly corporate tax in South Korea was simplified encouraged foreign investments. |Current strengths: |Current challenge |Future prospects | |Centralized power of attorney |Military violence still...
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