Online course "Two Koreas: History of a Divided Nation"

Description

The aim of this course is to provide an analysis of contemporary Korean history from the late 19th century to the present. The fundamental objectives of the course are to understand the political, economic, social, and cultural history of unified Korea up to the end of World War II and of the two Koreas since then. As a result, participants will be able to identify the main continuities and changes in contemporary Korean history, as well as the connections between the Korean domestic, East Asian regional, and global contexts.

Session Program:
Session 1: Korea in the 19th Century

We introduce the history of Korea during the first millennium. We summarize the country's history during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), including attempts at influence by China and Japan. Based on this introduction, we analyze the political, social, and economic changes from the last third of the 19th century. This was a period during which Korea came into direct contact with Western powers, there was an internal debate between modernizers and traditionalists, and a modernization process began, led by the royal family and various groups within Korean society.

Session 2: Korea Under Japanese Occupation (1910-45)

Korea was the first victim of Japanese imperialism, becoming a de jure colony of its neighbor in 1910. During the colonial era, Korea suffered strict political and social control, including periods of intense repression, particularly as Japan prepared for World War II. The Korean independence movement led to increased political engagement among the population. Korea continued its process of economic transformation, serving the interests of the Japanese colonial government. Korean society and culture also underwent significant changes during this period.

Session 3: Korea from Independence to the Korean War (1945-53)

Korea achieved its independence following the end of World War II. A process of political realignment then began, led by Korean society, with various groups vying for power. The occupation of Korea by the Soviet Union in the north and the United States in the south resulted in the creation of two states with opposing political ideologies: North Korea and South Korea. The Korean War resulted in the entrenchment of the country's division, a severe economic crisis, and the destruction of much of the Korean peninsula.

Session 4: South Korea during the Dictatorial Era (1953-87)

South Korea was under the almost uninterrupted rule of authoritarian regimes in the decades following the Korean War. During this period, the alliance between South Korea and the United States, a cornerstone of South Korean foreign policy, was also solidified. Beginning in the 1960s, dictator Park Chung-hee, the large chaebol conglomerates, and South Korean workers led a process of transformation and significant economic growth. A profound social and cultural transformation led the South Korean population to overthrow the dictatorial leaders and bring democracy to the country.

Session 5: North Korea during the Cold War (1953-91)

Kim Il-sung established and led the most successful communist dictatorship in history after the end of World War II and the Korean War. North Korea experienced a period of rapid economic development during the 1960s and 70s, thanks to aid from the communist bloc and the mobilization of North Korean citizens. North Korea established very close relations with China and the Soviet Union. This was also a time when Kim implemented a system of repression against North Korean society and elites.

Session 6: South Korea Today (1987-Present)

South Korea has undergone a political, social, economic, and cultural revolution since its democratic transition and the end of the Cold War. Present-day South Korea is one of the most consolidated democracies in Asia, its society is increasingly liberal, and its economy is among the most advanced globally. Furthermore, South Korean culture is popular in every corner of the globe. The country also faces some of the challenges inherent to any developed society and economy.

7th session: North Korea Today (1991-Present)

North Korea suffered a severe blow after the end of the Cold War, losing the support of China and the Soviet Union. The country experienced famine and an economic crisis in the 1990s from which it has never fully recovered. At the same time, the Kim dynasty has been able to maintain power and develop a nuclear weapons program. North Korean society has undergone profound changes resulting from the development of a market economy and the penetration of foreign influences.

8th session: The Possible Reunification of Korea

Korea was a unified country for centuries. The vast majority of Koreans, therefore, 

They consider their current division an accident that must be resolved. There are various scenarios for a possible Korean reunification, ranging from a gradual and peaceful process to the absorption of North Korea by South Korea. However, the potential reunification of Korea faces obstacles both domestically and due to the international context.

Professor: Ramón Pacheco Pardo is Professor of International Relations at King’s College London and Professor of Korean Studies at the Free University of Brussels. His publications include the books Korea: A New History of South and North, Shrimp to Whale: South Korea from the Forgotten War to K-Pop, and North Korea: Survival of a Political Dynasty. Ramón has been an exchange student at Hankuk University of Korean Studies and Korea University. He regularly participates in lectures, symposia, and other events in Korea.