4. History of North Korea and its division with the South

Japan's occupation of Korea was took over by the Allied forces after its defeat in 1945. While the US occupied the south region of Korea, the Soviet Union occupied the north region of Korea, specifically in 38˚ of the North latitude, which is also called the 38th parallel. Of course, both the US and the Soviet Union's different ideologies were spread out in the regions. South Korea was then named the Republic of Korea, where the US held elections as it adapted democracy. It was then led by President Syngman Rhee. They have Seoul as their capital city. North Korea, which is called The Democratic People's Republic of Korea that adapted communism was led by their first ever leader, Kim II-sung. Unlike West Germany, which held a democratic capitalistic economy, they were able to improve their economy in a fast period of time. However, South Korea which also held a democratic capitalistic economy was left with a poor government and military after the US left in 1949. East Germany that adapted a communism ideology was a bit slow in their economy. However, contrasting with North Korea that was also occupied by the Soviet Union, had a strong military defence because of the extra support by China and the USSR. The separation of North and South Korea was supposed to be temporary until an election has occurred. However, Kim II-sung made sure that no elections were made for North Korea by convincing the Soviet leaders. Their different ideologies also had made their reunification impossible as for right now.

The map of the division of North and South Korea. Pyongyang as North Korea's capital city and Seoul as South Korea's capital city.