North Korea 1945-1967 (Summary)

North Korea 1945-1967

(The Summary and Reflection)

Antonius Siwi Dharma Jati

Title                             : North Korea 1945-1967
Author                         : Anonymous

Genre                           : History Book

Published                     : October, 1967

The number of page    : 44 Pages

Introduction

After reading this book, I am more interested to think globally as a Jesuit. It does not mean that I do not care about national issues. It also does not mean I do not have the spirit of nationalism. I may seem arrogant when I chose the books of world history. Beyond all that, I just want to pursue what interests me. My interest is learning about the universal world history. Why did I choose “North Korea” as my reading book? The answer is because this country is very unique. Among all countries in the world, there are only two countries that have a communist ideology. Those countries are Cuba and North Korea. In this context, I would like to share what I got from this book.

When Japanese colonial rule in Korea collapsed in 1945 at the end of the Second World War, the Soviet authorities occupied the area north of the 38^th parallel, and laid the foundations of a communist regime. At that time, there were about 1.2 million people living in North Korea, and it was dominated by Moscow’s protégé, Kim Il-Sung. He established the Korean People's Army (KPA) aligned with the Communists, formed from a cadre of guerrillas and former soldiers who had gained combat experience in battles against the Japanese and later Nationalist Chinese troops. Supported by the Soviet advisers and equipment, he also constructed a large army skilled in infiltration tactics and guerrilla warfare. Besides that, he also formed an air force equipped at first with ex-Soviet propeller-driven fighter and attack aircraft.

Self Reliance (Juche)

North Korea did not want to be a dependent state. The country was trying to develop everything without intervention from other countries. Therefore, Kim Il-Sung made idea to have the self-reliance called Juche. Self-reliance has been practiced in the regime of Kim Il-Sung since 1955. This could encourage and helped the workers, farmers and administrators to support their lives. It was emphasized especially during disagreements between North Korea and the Soviet Union. This concept is also used to promote nationalist sentiment through the pride of accomplishment Korea.

North Korea and the Outside World

While the Soviet Union was responsible for the foundation of North Korea as a communist country, China intervened during the Korean War. However, the Soviet Union, could offer economic aid and military need in North Korea. North Korea, somehow, was concerned with the unity and integrity of the Communist world and the opportunities offered by the split. North Korea's increasing alignment with China in 1963 was further demonstrated by the joint communique. It was issued at the end of the visit by the head of state of North Korea, Choe Yong-kun, to Peking in June and by President Liu Shao-chi to Pyongyang in September. Nevertheless, the relationship between North Korea and the Soviet Union was not followed by the good relationship with China. Finally, a good relationship between China and North Korea deteriorated rapidly. In addition, North Korea has also developed relationships with some countries such as Pakistan, Latin America (excluding Cuba), Indonesia and Cambodia. These countries made economic cooperation.

North and South (Korea Divided)

The division of Korea was organised by the Soviet Union and the United States in 1945. After continued disputes between the Soviet Union and the United States, Korea's unification in 1947 referred to by the United Nations, which appointed the Commission to oversee elections while the national government to establish Korea. This election was held in May, 1948. Direct result of the obstruction communists was the establishment of two states in Korea, the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of (North) Korea.

Conclusion

I myself appreciate the struggle of the North Korean people when they tried to be independent. The history of this country is more complicated than my country, Indonesia. There were many interventions from the other countries that influenced the stability of this country. Meanwhile, Indonesian’s struggle in the colonialist age was only limited on the struggle to fight against the colonies. Both countries have the same opinion that freedom is the tight of all countries in the world. Therefore, I am proud of the struggle of my nation and also the nation of North Korea. AMDG.