As I have studied the history of both countries, I have been well aware of the dispute between North Korea and South Korea. The two countries have been forced to become enemies, though they are once a very united country. The other warring the other, and the other defending from attacks of another.
We have known South Korea for so long. We can all see that the country is a peaceful one, and has been open to the world with everything that it could share. It was always tagged as the "Nice Korea" for it is very nice to its people and to foreigners.
However, the "other Korea" has a very bad image not only in South Korea but also to the world. Nuclear experiments, very strict ruling, sudden attacks to South Korea and other countries, military rift, threats of war - these things are what defines the North. Well, we are not really aware of what's happening inside the country, but what we hear are definitely true.
Well, contained inside this oppressive country, I think that every one of us will definitely want to break free. We cannot live in a society that robs its citizens of their freedom. We cannot enjoy the luxury of our houses if we cannot be sure of what will happen tomorrow. You may enjoy sleeping at a point in time, and then an explosion wakes you up? A very good wake-up call.
That's basically what happens on the North. People are doing their best to go out of this country, literally. Some even cross the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), facing the challenges of bullets and missiles that may kill you at once. Some people have tried and became successful, but some didn't even have a step in the free-Korea. Just recently, there are 30 North Koreans who have successfully went out of their country, but are caught in China. Well, the North wanted these people back to their country. China, after some negotiations and encouraging from other countries, repatriated the citizens, and sent them back to North Korea.
Well, what's bad about going back to North Korea?
WORST. Escaping North Korea presents a lot of consequences. First, if you are a known successful defector, then, your family will be detained and will be punished for your actions. If you're caught escaping, then you will be interrogated on your actions, and will be put into prison if they deem you prison-able. However, if you're not, it's either you get released soon, or be put into a firing squad. Do it once, twice, thrice until you become free.
Well, we might be offended when our parents give us a hard time, usually with curfew or being put into a "grounded" state. Is that actually stripping off of our freedom? I don't think so. Think of these peoples' situations.
내친구를 살려주세요! (Save my friend!)
good and interesting facts about the 2 Korea's. The Hokor did made a wrong decision in picking the more larger but arid mountains of Korea.
ReplyDeleteIt's sad that the North has been closed to the rest of the world. It's no longer a time for war but more of a time for economic cooperation.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting. Ika nga nila, some people have it harder than you. Think about that lagi.
ReplyDeleteThose people trying to escape Nokor would rather risk their lives to find peace rather than stay inside with the rest of their lives and always feel trouble or angst.
ReplyDeleteIt's kind of sad that while South Korea is enjoying its freedom and is welcoming different people into their side of the country, here's North Korea, doing the opposite of everything. At some point, I was scared to visit Korea.. But I was assured that being on the south side will surely be safe for me. So I went on with my trip. I can only imagine the hardships that the northerners are experiencing. I wish for them to have their freedom real soon, because everybody deserves it.
ReplyDeleteWith the change of Nokor leadership, We hope we'll see the unification of two Koreas in the future. Nokor people had already suffered to much and people should be liberated and entitle with same with SoKor is having.
ReplyDeletethe only country that I got a little to tell, thanks for this! I hope they're goin to be open for changes.. It's a new world after all!
ReplyDeletei never knew things like this! indeed a lot of dirty things happenings that a lot of people don't know really.
ReplyDeleteWhat I learned about Korea is what my Korean students told me while I was teaching ESL to them. However, most of these kids are privileged and I know not everyone is as lucky as them. But what I appreciate about Korean students is their high regard for their teachers and that shows the Korean culture.
ReplyDeleteNot knowing much about Korea.. This post helped me. Though it helped me and made me confused about the state at the same time.
ReplyDeleteHeard the same story from my friend who also stayed at Korea for quite some time.. Hope for the best for this place ;/
ReplyDeleteTechnically speaking, the two Koreas are still currently at war. :-) no peace pact has been signed since the cessation of the hostilities.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know the stiff penalties imposed on North Korea for defecting or escaping. Though I hope they would soften up and be open to the rest of the world.
ReplyDeleteAtleast now North Korea is allowing it's people to taste some pizza! I hope North Korea will be open to the world soon.
ReplyDeleteI have watched a movie about the boundaries between the South and North Korea. I can say that it is truly difficult to pass in those boundaries and family is always at risk.
ReplyDeleteI only knew Korean Novels! LOL! Just kidding aside. There's always hope for North Korea to open up its doors to the world but the way I see it and hear from news and other sources like the internet... changes may take place not in the near future.
ReplyDeletethey are still at war...well, maybe one day they will be reunified or if not, at least live in peace and respect each other.
ReplyDeleteHow can North Korea ask for the peopleback like they are objects? Slaves? The two governments had to have communicated before making the occurence public.
ReplyDeleteBraeton, it's because NoKor thinks that it owns its citizens, considered as things, not as people. I think that it is an important issue that we need to be alert of - there are a lot of issues that violate human rights.
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