North Korea and South Korea are two completely different countries that come from the same place. Long ago divided and still suffering from shaky relations, there has been recent speculation that the two countries could be re-united. Before this happens, both countries, and the rest of the world, will need to consider the ramifications of such a large action.

At the end of World War II, Korea was freed from the Japanese annexation it had endured since 1910.  Unfortunately for Korea, their hopes for freedom were short-lived.  United States and the USSR, the countries two liberators, immediately partitioned Korea into two sections, despite the protests of most Koreans. The USSR controlled the northern area and the United States took over the southern part, the division being at the 38 parallel. Both countries left Korea in 1948 but only to return two years later, once war broke out.

The Korean War lasted three years. A cold war it was really a war fought between the two major super powers of the world, the United States and the Soviet Union. The war never officially ended but once a cease-fire was called, the Soviet presence remained in the North and the United States remained in the South. This led to each Korean country to adopt the policies of their respective super power. To this day, North Korea is a socialist state while South Korea is a democratic country.
Since the fall of the Soviet Union and the end of its support, North Korea has struggled to survive. The economy is poor and in 1995, widespread famine affected most of the country. Within three years, 3 million people died and now depends on food aid from China, Japan, and surprisingly, the United States and South Korea. In extreme contrast, South Korea has strived under the democratic system. Thanks a great deal to technology, education, and development, South Korea has a successful economy.  The people of this country enjoy an excellent standard of living, hosted the Olympic games, and are one of the leading automakers in the world. They have also begun to work with North Korea, creating a united athletic team, giving aid, and allowing tourism options to slowly develop.
The success of South Korea is one of the main factors in why the rest of the world, including the United States, is so concerned with the possibility of reunification. Yes, people are concerned that after being separated for over 60 years, the two countries no longer share a similar culture and assimilation would be difficult. There is wonder about how the reunification would take place peacefully like Germany or with a war like Vietnam.  But the main concern at this time seems to be the economy.

Because the two economies are so drastically different, the unification would lead to serious issues for South Korea, and the rest of the world that depends on it. North Korea would need major structural improvements on everything from factories to roads. It is estimated that it would cost over 6 billion dollars to bring North Korean salaries to 60 of Southerners and many wonder where this money will come from.  The newly- created country would need to rely heavily on the United States for financial support. Another concern is that investors currently involved in South Korea may withdrawal their support out of fear of an economic collapse.

The United States has long been invested in South Korea. From the countrys beginnings, the United States has had a strong military presence. During the Cold War, it was very important for the United States that South Korea did not become a communist nation. Now that the Cold War has ended, the United States still remains in South Korea, guarding the border, with no signs of withdrawal. If the North and South were to unify, the United States would not be needed to guard the non-existent border.

Many attempt to compare the reunification of the Korean countries to the successful reunification of Germany and they are remembering the costs.  The United States enjoys the profits of being so deeply invested in South Korea and it would like to remain prosperous. All of this could change if reunification does occur, so the United States wants to be heavily involved in any changes that occur between these two countries.

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