The Conversation: Is a Unified Korea Possible?

North and South Korea, divided since 1945, are making a small, symbolic gesture by marching together under one flag for the opening ceremony of the Olympics. “Unfortunately, history suggests such efforts to reunite the peninsula as a single country often don’t go far,” notes Ji-Young Lee, professor of international affairs for the Conversation. She outlines the history of unification talks. “What these past talks show is that reconciliation has not been sustainable without the tangible progress in eliminating North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.” In surveys, most Koreans express a desire for unification but also pessimism about combining two political systems that could not be more opposite. Lee reviews the history of unification talks with the North Korea regime and attempts to lure South Korea away from close ties with the West. South Korean President Moon Jae-In is trying a new approach by pursuing engagement without assurances of denuclearization, a “game changer,” according to Lee. South Koreans will reject their government's efforts if North Korea engages in belligerence or provocation. – YaleGlobal