Korea was once one people, ultimately we should reunite

[Jay]

1998.03.01

아리랑, 아리랑, 아라리요...아리랑 고개로 넘어간다. You are going over Arirang hill.
나를 버리고 가시는 님은십리도 못가서 발병난다. My love, you are leaving meYour feet will be sore before you go ten ri.
청천하늘엔 잔별도 많고,우리네 가슴엔 희망도 많다. Just as there are many stars in the clear sky,There are also many dreams in our heart.
저기 저 산이 백두산이라지,동지 섣달에도 꽃만 핀다. There, over there, that mountain is Baekdu Mountain,Where, even in the middle of winter days, flowers bloom.
​

On March 1st, the Korean People in one voice screamed for their independence. starting in Seoul, the demonstrations lasted until early April with the participation of all Koreans nationwide. Koreans abroad in the United States, China, and Western Europe demonstrated all over the world, making known their will for independence. The series of demonstrations took place across Korea and the rallying cry for liberation form Japanese occupation spread like the scent of flowers flowing freely across the land. Marching on the streets and shouting "Mansei", and crying for the life of a Korean nation for 10,000 years, the movement was met with the violent suppression by the Japanese imperial forces. Thousand were massacred by the Japanese, thousands were wounded, and tens of thousands thousand were arrested, tortured, convicted, and executed. The national movement for the Korean people sparked the flame for the declaration of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea and proclamation of the constitution of the Korean republic, one for all Koreans. When Japan surrendered in 1945, the U.S. and U.S.S.R divided the Peninsula into two zones of occupation. Half a decade later the Soviet-back North would invade the South and cement the role of the two new superpowers over Korea. The war would be like hot glue that sealed the divided borders as the North gave up on reunification by popular will and instead through militancy and the South not wishing to join the communist north and instead absorb the North within itself. The two Koreas would remain divided since the first Soviet & American Troops entered Korea in the 1940s and the borders unchanged since the war.

Yet, hope was never lost. On the occasion of the March 1st Movement, President Kim emphasized the need for the two Koreas to reunify. "The impact of colonialism has never left our peninsula, none more reminding than the physical barriers that separate us as a people. Nothing more reminding of our continued battle of spirit and mind, to see the reunification of our people. I shall never allow, nor shall I ever permit, the conditions that absolve permanent peace on the Korean Peninsula. I shall spend every resource we have to ensure that we can reunify the Korean people and that our families live in peace and harmony from Mount Paektu to Jeju-do, from Dokdo to Pyongyang, the Korean Peninsula shall be whole, the Korean people shall be reunified, and the Korean race under the sovereignty of none but their own. I hope that North Korea will cooperate and interact with us and work towards this goal. On this occasion I make a plea to our brothers and sisters, join us, let us end the physical scar that rips this peninsula, the home of our ancestors, and begin to heal it." - President Kim Dae-Jung, of the Republic of Korea. The stage was set and in South Korea, a dwindling opportunity for a real chance of reunification charged by President Kim.

1998.03.02​

As devastating floods ravaged the country in 1995, arable land, harvests, grain reserves, and social and economic infrastructure were destroyed Across the river billions of tons of water flood as the torrential rans caused devastating floods. Over 30% of the country was affected by the floods. The rains came on the cusp of an economic decline due to the collapse of the communist global order. The destruction of crop lands and harvests was not the only issue. States large emergency grain reserves stored underground had been uprooted and lost. The National Intelligence Service estimated that at least 1.5 million tons of grain reserves had been lost. Followed up by major flooding in 1996 and a drought in 1997. The damage to infrastructure such as hydropower plants, coal mines, and transport facilities meant that major shortages would plague the country. The main plants broke down and the oil needed to run them. The North would lose 85% of its generation capacity as a result of the floods. The great famine forced the regime and its people to change in fundamental and unanticipated ways. Opening the door to a future not seen before.

Only about 20% of North Korea's mountainous terrain is arable land. Much of the land is only frost-free for six months, allowing only one crop per year. The country has never been self-sufficient in food, and many western experts considered it unrealistic to try to be. Due to North Korea's terrain, farming is mainly concentrated among the flatlands of the four western coastal provinces. This allows for a longer growing season, leveled land, substantial rainfall, and well-irrigated soil which permits the high cultivation of crops. Along with the western coastal provinces, fertile land also runs through the eastern seaboard provinces. Travel between provinces and even within provinces is prohibited and the control of resources means it is not adequately shared either.

The Fall of the Soviet Union would have profound consequences on North Korea. From cheap oil imports to financial capital injected by Moscow to prop up the regime. The flow of imports of agricultural equipment and support would disappear and without an alternative source the energy and food markets would slowly crumble without assistance. It is estimated that energy imports fell by 75% after 1991. The governments inflexibility to respond only prolonged and increased in devastation the crisis unfolding. The spiraling downturn with import/export freewill hit the country hard. A massive flood would hit the North as well, destroying infrastructure, arable land, and communities. The flooded coal mines would require electricity to operate the pumps to clear them. However the energy crisis delayed the process and the shortage of coal worsened the shortage of electricity. At the same time the Agriculture Sector was heavily reliant on electrically-powered irrigation systems, artificial fertilizers and pesticides were also hit particularly hard by the economic collapse. While the North's population had experienced nutritional deprivation before the 1990s, the centralized food system had been able to feed the country. The inability to expand the program or improve its capacity and growing military-first doctrine jeopardized the system. The growing coffers of the personal accounts of the ruling elite deprived needed resources to the state. The collapse of the eastern bloc and Soviet Union meant no help was coming to the North. Thus without help from these countries, North Korea was unable to respond to the coming famine. While China filled the gap left by the Soviet Union's collapse for a while and managed to propped up North Korea's food supply with significant aid, China itself suffered from shortfalls. Still, by 1993, China was supplying North Korea with 77 percent of its fuel imports and 68 percent of its food imports. The dependency on the Soviet Union was replaced by a dependence on China. However, China faced its own grain shortfalls and need for hard currency, and as a result it sharply cut aid to North Korea. The crisis would lead to rampant crime, thievery, anger, and death in the North. In the South, the National Intelligence Services would be aware of the growing issues. When one of their top spies in the inner circle leaked troubling documents over the famine. By 1997 it became clear of the widespread famine and crisis plaguing the North. South Korea would repeatedly offer to assist the North by President Kim after the combative President Yong administration fell. However, the door had been shut and relations frosty.

1998.03.14 Blue House
​

The President had a very busy day. The stress and piling weights on his body only grew as everyday progressed. The President and his close aides would be in the office as they discussed the matters of state and foreign policy. Back and forth over what to do with the Japanese, how to handle the void left by the Americans, how to even position Korea as a country capable of carrying its own weight in the international community. Within the confines of the Blue House, the public image of Korea's calm, detailed, and open personality were no where to be found. While the South Koreans poised themselves as a rising tiger, joining the Nordic Council, passing the debt relief package for Russia, and beginning a new phase for the Korean people, inside the Blue house the Korean Government continued to live a sulking feeling carrying their heart and spirits down. Previous administrations joked about the curse of the Blue House, infecting its inhabitants. Yet, the curse felt true in all metaphorical senses as everyday slowly chipped away at the officials at the Blue House. What were they doing here?

That evening, in a fit of gridlock, the top policy officials simply left the discussion on how to reposition Korea as unresolved. Those that opposed engagement, those that supported it, and those that simply felt as though the expectations for Korea were rising ahead of its own capacity. The troubles at home were not being addressed. Some felt their vision for a dignified Korea for all was merely another empty political slogan. The kind and generous smiles of President Kim that once illuminated the room and charged its occupants was no longer enough. The weight of governance was getting to them all. President Kim got up, visibly tired and no longer interested in the bickering over how to respond to the attack in Dhaka. As he got up, the others felt silent and watched as their leader walked off without a word. Slipping into his sleepwear, he put on red Hanbok with white collars as he headed to his bedroom. He signed in despair as his wife at in her corner reading and looking over some legislation she wanted to push. While some politicians joked at the inability of President Kim, none could at the expectational power of the First Lady who charged the rights of women in Korea.

As night set across the Blue House, the President went to sleep. The Blue House staffers and senior officials in their offices as some worked into the night and others packed their things and went home. Science Minister Roh sat in the Presidential Office with National Defense Minister Park as the two finished bickering over how the Defense Ministry took $320 million from the Science Budget to cover procurement of new weapon systems. The Science Minister lambasting Minister Park and quite unapologetically calling him and his ministry a thieving group of pirates that stole from others. Their arguments continued into the night before the two put it to rest and went into the Blue House's cafeteria. The two relaxed in the cafeteria and ate something to calm themselves.

Inside a often overlooked room, a lonely female army staffer in her army fatigues sat in front of a phone. The officer simply waited for her shift to end, as she had every other evening. It was sometime at four am when young officer took a break and got up to the nearby water cooler. Getting up from her chair, she stretched before opening the door. She closed it as she left for a short walk...as she walked forward, she heard the sound of ringing, checking her handphone and walking forward. She looked back...it couldn't be the phone. The sound continue to emit from the room. She rushed back, slamming the door open and picked up the phone before catching her breath. The voice on the other side was coarse...she never talked to a North Korean before...her mind began to panic as the short burst of adrenaline from the rush and the phone wiped her brain. She paused, writing down word for word what was being said, using the official script and terms in front of her as she responded. The voice on the other side said they wanted to speak to the President in five minutes. After the line was cut, she picked up another phone next to it informing the Chief of the Army what had happened.

The National Defense Minister dropped his bowl on the table as he rushed off. Minister Roh looked with confusion before returning to her food. The Minister rushed towards the President's residence where the President's Chief Bodyguard Kim Taewon stopped him and looked confused as the Minister told him was an emergency. Taewon would carefully walk in and wake up the President. Informing him of the situation. The President's mind was a little fuzzy but when he had heard it was the North his eyes lit up. He got up and walked into the Blue House where whatever foreign affairs and unification ministry staff were present. Luckily Minister Park was on site as well. The others would be asked to come to the Blue House immediately while the call took place. At exactly five minutes after the first call, President Kim received a forwarded call from the secured communications center. As he picked up the phone, he could only anticipate what was being said. When he picked it up, abruptly a voice spoke.

Kin Jong-Il [General Secretary of Worker's Party of Korean, Supreme Leader of North Korea]: "President Kim. You referenced Cho Soang in your speech, repeating his declaration, "We will achieve genuine liberation by ensuring that our compatriots become free, have political rights and do not worry about food, clothing and shelter." Did you really mean it?"

Kim Dae-Jung [President of South Korea]: "I did Mr. Chairman. I meant every word said in that speech, and I continue to carry this spirit of our shared ancestors."

Kim Jong-il: "President Kim, when you said fellow Koreans, I take it you did not only mean the South."

Kim Dae-Jung: "No Chairman, I meant our people. I meant the Korean people who deserve the bare minimum of being part of the Korean race, that they need not worry about food, clothing, or shelter, when they are free people from all oppression, and until then, I will not never stop in my quest for a better Korea for all."

The line would hang up after the President finished his statements. The South Koreans would be confused and some anxious. Army Generals frantically called the forward deployed forces, trying to find out of this was a distraction from an attack. For the next four hours, nothing would happen across the Peninsula. The silent night that precipitated across the frontlines was as terrifying as the sound of artillery and gunshots sometimes. Army Chief Nam eyed his radars and live feeds with his eyes glued to them. That night no one at the Blue House would sleep. The Armed Forces were on high alert while the Ministry of Unification was turned upside down as they tried to prepare everything they could as their staff rushed to the Blue House. The Unification Minister was briefed on the way about the situation. Minister Park Hyunseon read the briefing papers as her motorcade rushed across Seoul with a police escort to the Blue House. As the sun began to pear over the horizon across the Korean Peninsula the morning dawn that vanquished the night brought a new sense of furry and spirit for the Blue House. The distant goal of reunification so prized and desired was possible now. It may seem an over reach, but, the door had been opened for so much possibility. President Kim's spirits were reinvigorated. That morning, the North Korean technical staff informed the Unification Ministry that they wanted to sit down and discuss at the Joint Security Area. A sense of calm was restored as the military still remained vigilant, they were no fools to the Norths deception and deceitful actions.

---

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[Jay]

1998.03.15
​

Throughout the night a number of secretive vehicles exited and entered the Blue House. The signs from the negotiators was that it was clear that the situation in the North was far more critical than the NIS reports indicated. While the North's team held a strong wall and refused to concede anything so far, they hinted at the situation was very serious. Officially the numbers stated were that 250,000 had died over the past seven years, but the NIS numbers of 500,000 were overshadowed by the possibility that at least over a million North Koreans had died already from the famine. A sense of urgency was instilled by the North negotiators as they hoped for a form of immediate relief.

The National Security Council was not summoned, instead, the possibility of reunification being murmured was a major secret in the Blue House. Aside from the negotiation team, only the President, his chief bodyguard, the Minister of National Defense, Minister of Foreign Affairs, two Presidential Advisor, the Prime Minister, Chief of the Army and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs were aware of the discussions even happening. The motorcades in and out of the Blue House carried trusted and close aides, advisors, and analysts to President Kim who gave differing opinions on the ambiguity of some study being conducted on reunification throughout the day. That evening a number of diplomats from the ROK Embassy in Berlin were summoned including former Ambassadors as they discussed the East and West German reunification for consultation on a joint memorandum to be published by President Kim and Chancellor Kohl on their mutual support for Korean Reunification during his visit.

The return of China and Imperial Japan complicated the equation. There was no doubt their immediate neighbors would obstruct if not outright act against the reunification of the peninsula. The U.S. withdrawal opened some breathing room and the unconditional hostilities between both parties had dwindled down with the collapse of China and the withdrawal of the United States. Analysts noted that Japan's military was still rebuilding, and China's government was focused on regrouping after its collapse. At least for now, the military capacity of either state to undermine the Korea's was unlikely neither could they effectively wield political power in either state to obstruct the process. These were the unique conditions that meant unification was completely possible. In a small window, the only roadblock to the complete reunification of the Great Korean people was themselves.

While the North had not indicated any desire of implementing any process towards reunification, the undertone of the current discussion was that through a new policy of engagement, reunification could not only be achieved, but was uniquely possible. The data collected from Vietnam and Germany was being used to understand impact and post-unification analysis. The NIS was working overtime trying to get a clearer picture of the situation in the North. The President had authorized every avenue of cooperation and intelligence to be conducted to ensure the best possible plan towards reunification. Over the course of the next two weeks, the South Koreans would prepare the Basic Framework Agreement on Reunification for the two parties. The Unification Treaty would be compiled and presented to the President. Over two weeks of revisions and discussions would be held at the Blue House before the secretive body finished. The treaty would be the basis for which negotiations could be extended on reunification and served as the first formal resolution on achieving reunification.

---

Republic of Korea - Democratic People's Republic of Korea Treaty of Unification and Associated Articles of Korean Unity

Basic Agreement on the Unification of the Republic of Korea​

1. The contracting parties agree on the ascension of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea into the Republic of Korea and shall in accordance with the principles of Article 4 of the Republic of Korea constitution adopt the measures of the Unification Treaty to implement the complete process of reunification between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea. The Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall cease to be a state and shall the Republic of Korea shall be recognized as the rightful and sole power of the Korean Peninsula, adjacent islands and territories.
   • The Republic of Korea as the successor of the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea dissolved 1948.08.15 shall in continuity of the spirits and statements of the Korean people's Declaration of Independence and Constitution carry forth the act of Reunification and shall embody spirits of the forefathers and national founders of the Korean states.
2. The Republic of Korea shall assume complete responsibility in all matters of state affairs and as the undisputed claimant to the territory of the Korean Peninsula and its adjacent islands and territories and shall be the only authority with the confidence and competency to conduct and operate with unfettered sovereignty over its territory.
   • The Republic of Korea shall extend its Exclusive Economic Zone, Maritime and Air Space, Air Identification Zone within the combined areas and territories of the Unified Korea.
   • The Republic of Korea shall be the undisputed power over its exclusive economic zone, maritime boundaries, airspace, and territory and shall incorporate all current territories held by the Democratic Republic of Korea through the formal accession process.
3. The Constitution of the Republic of Korea shall not be undermined through this process and shall be harmonized with the Unification Treaty. The contracting parties agree on the full adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea as adopted by the Korean National Assembly on 1987.10.29 as the supreme law of the land of the Korean Peninsula and shall resolve their differences through the Treaty of Unification and Associated Articles of Korean Unity
4. The National Assembly of the Republic of Korea shall implement its electoral process in the territories of the former Democratic People's Republic of Korea in line with the first past the post structure and shall adopt where able the promotional representative model. The National Assembly shall be agree towards a special election for the National Assembly to take place for the first unified Korean elections. The National Security Law of 1948 shall remain in-tact, but accommodating to allow members of the Worker's Party of Korea to stand in election. The electoral cycle and the protocols of elections shall remain unaffected and the special election shall take place as is appropriated by the Constitution
   • The number of seats shall increase from 300 seats to 400 seats with the allocation of an increase of 100 seats to accommodate the political and shall be determined as follows.
     • First-past-the-post (200 seats )
     • Proportional compensation (200 seats)
5. The contracting parties agree on the basis of reunification to extend amnesty to individuals as deemed relevant to ensure the implementation of the reunification treaty on the condition of exclusion from politics in the future of the Unified Korea. All members granted amnesty shall be given indefinite legal protection from prosecution for crimes committed during their time in office. Those involved in assassinations of foreign affairs, mass murders, and crimes against humanity shall be barred from the amnesty program.
   • The contracting parties shall agree to establish the Korean Human Rights Commission, Ad Hoc Korean Criminal Court, and Commission on the just compensation and accountability to conduct the necessary actions as deemed appropriate to ensure justice of victims of crimes against humanity including but not limited to: Mass murder, massacres of unarmed civilians, forced encampment, torture and executions, and other crimes and shall be granted the appropriate judicial power to execute and uphold its verdict
   • The contracting parties shall agree the Kim Family and associates outlined in this treaty shall be exempt from the three aforementioned judicial committees on the basis of sharing testimonies, information, and full apology, repentance, and compensation to the Korean people through the Korean unification fund.
6. The contracting parties agree to the complete demobilization of the armed forces of the Democratic People's Republic and absorption of all equipment, personnel, and intelligence of the demobilized forces by the Republic of Korea Armed Forces
7. The Korean People have achieved the unity and freedom of Korea in free self-determination. The Constitution of the Republic of Korea is thus valid for the entire Korean people. Recognizing provinces of the Republic of Korea shall put into effect the Constitution cross the entire Korean Peninsula as outlined in Annex I. Reorganizing the administrative regions into North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju, North Pyeongan, South Pyeongan, North Hamgyeong, South Hamgyeong, Hwangae. Shall formally reorganize North Korean provinces as follows.

Annex I of the Basic Agreement

Annex II of the Basic Agreement



Capitol​

1. The contracting parties agree on the recognition of the Seoul metropolitan area as the capital of the Republic of Korea and shall not take measures outside the constitution of the Republic of Korea to move or otherwise subvert the role of Seoul as the capital, but shall make arrangements to ensure fair distribution of central authority to Pyongyang and Sejong City in accordance with the spirit of the constitution

Articles of International legal importance and International organizations and cooperative entities​

1. Law of the Democratic People's Republic valid at the time of the signing of this Treaty shall be considered unless authorized under the competence of the provincial governors Law shall remain in force in so far as it is compatible with the Constitution. Law of the Democratic People's Republic which is issued by the individuals not party or ruling government members according to the redistribution of provinces under Annex I in matters not regulated uniformly at the regional level shall be reviewed but considered valid until formally reviewed and annulled.
   • (1) The law of the Democratic People's Republic referred to shall remain in force with the provisos set out there in so far as it is compatible with the Constitution, taking this Treaty into consideration, and with the formal review by the five regional governors.(2) It shall remain in force as official law. Where it refers to matters within concurrent legislative powers or outlining legislation, it shall continue to apply as official law if and to the extent that it relates to fields which are regulated by laws by the Republic of Korea in the remaining area of application of the Constitutional Law.
2. Upon the accession taking effect, the Treaties on the Global Assembly together with their amendments and supplements as well as the international agreements, treaties and resolutions which have come into force in connection with those Treaties shall apply in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty.
   • (1) Upon the accession taking effect, the legislative acts enacted on the basis of the Treaties on the Global Assembly by the Republic of Korea shall apply in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty unless the competent institutions of the Global Assembly enact exemptions. These exemptions are intended to take account of administrative requirements and help avoid economic difficulties.
   • (2) Resolutions passed by the Global Assembly whose implementation or execution comes under the responsibility of the Republic of Korea shall be implemented or executed by the latter through provisions under unification treaty.
3. The Contracting Parties proceed on the understanding that international treaties and agreements to which the Republic of Korea is a contracting party, including treaties establishing membership of international organizations or institutions, shall retain their validity and that the rights and obligations arising therefrom, shall also relate to the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty. Where adjustments become necessary in individual cases, the all-Korean Government shall consult with the respective contracting parties.
4. The Contracting Parties are agreed that, in connection with the establishment of Korean unity, international treaties of the Democratic People's Republic shall be discussed with the contracting parties concerned with a view to regulating or confirming their continued application, adjustment or expiry, taking into account protection of confidence, the interests of the states concerned, the treaty obligations of the Republic of Korea as well as the principles of a free, democratic basic order governed by the rule of law, and respecting the competence of the Global Assembly.
   • The united Korea shall determine its position with regard to the adoption of international treaties of the Democratic People's Republic following consultations with the respective contracting parties and with the Global Assembly where the latter's competence is affected.

Articles of Administrative and Regional Powers & Allocations​

1. Administrative bodies and other institutions serving the purposes of public administration or the administration of justice in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty shall pass under the authority of the government of the Democratic People's Republic to the Republic of Korea agency in which they are located. Institutions whose sphere of activities transcends the boundaries the confines of the provinces shall be reviewed and jurisdiction adopted. Where institutions consist of several branches each of which is in a position to carry out its activities independently, the branches shall come under the responsibility of the central government in Seoul unless otherwise agreed. The provincial government(s) shall be responsible for the transfer or confirmation process of administrative zones.
   • To the extent that before the accession shall take effect, the institutions or branches mentioned in 1, according to the distribution of authority and power under the Constitution, shall be subject to the competent central authorities in Seoul. The latter shall be responsible for the transfer or winding-up.
     • The regions of Chagang, North Hamgyong, South Hamgyong, North Hwanghae, South Hwanghae, Kangwon, North Pyongan, South Pyongan, and Ryanggang shall as stipulated in Annex I be reincorporated as North Pyeongan, South Pyeongan, North Hamgyeong, South Hamgyeong, Hwangae.
       • The Republic of Korea Five Northern Provinces Governors shall resign enmass upon passing of the Unification Treaty and a joint-commission shall assembly, nominate, and appoint temporary-governors to act in their capacity as governor of the five reorganized regions
   • Institutions under paragraphs 1 and 2 above shall also include such: cultural, educational, scientific and sports institutions, radio and television establishments as come under the responsibility of public administrative bodies.
2. Institutions or branches of institutions which, before the accession took effect, preforming tasks that are incumbent upon their pre-organized regions according to the distribution of regional authority by the Democratic People's Republic under their legal code shall continue to operate until formal ratification of the Unification Treaty upon which time the institutions of the regional authorities in question shall pending a final settlement by the central government as named in Article 1 of this section. This shall apply only to the extent that it is necessary for them to remain in place under this transitional arrangement so as to allow the provinces to carry out their responsibilities.
   • The institutions of the provincial authorities shall be under the authority of the Ministry of Public Safety and Administration pending the election of governors, majors, and other officials in the regions. Subsequently they shall be under the authority of the governors. The latter may change the responsible officials and appoint new ones at their discretion.

Articles of Economic Association, Taxation, Responsibility, and Powers​

1. The Governments of the two Contracting Parties recommend to the legislative bodies of the united Korea that within two years they should deal with the questions regarding amendments or additions to the Constitution as raised in connection with Korean unification, in particular with regard to the relationship between the Provinces and the Central Government in accordance with the Joint Statement of the Ministry of Unification & with considerations on introducing contracting party objectives into the Constitution of holding a referendum in this context.
   • The financial system of the Republic of Korea shall be extended to the territory specified in Annex I & II unless otherwise provided in this Treaty.
   • The Constitution and Korean Tax Code shall apply to the apportionment of tax revenue among the unifying partie in the territory specified of Annex I and shall not apply up to 31 December 2000; and the share of income tax revenue received by the provincial governments in accordance with unification treaty and the Constitution shall be passed on from the provincial governments in the five territories and shall be divided not on the basis of the amount of income tax paid by their inhabitants, but according to the number of inhabitants in the sub-divisions;
   • The provincial share of turnover tax throughout Korean shall be divided up into an Northern component and a Southern component in such a way that the average share of turnover tax per inhabitant in the North Pyeongan, South Pyeongan, North Hamgyeong, South Hamgyeong, Hwangae, 55 per cent in 1999 to 60 per cent in 2000 to 65 per cent in 2001 to 70 per cent of the average share of turnover tax per inhabitant in the provinces of North Chungcheong, South Chungcheong, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, North Gyeongsang, South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, South Jeolla, Jeju. Following the establishment of Korean unity the annual allocations from the Korean Unity Fund shall be distributed as follows:
   • In the event of a fundamental change in conditions, the provinces and the central government shall jointly examine the possibilities of granting further assistance in order to ensure adequate financial equalization.
2. The Financial assets, technological patents, domestic manufacturing, and corporations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea shall be ceded in authority, ownership, to the Republic of Korea and shall be registered as companies in the Republic of Korea and shall ensure the right of the Unified Korea to ensure the consumer rights and ownership of its intellectual and other forms of commercial or otherwise deemed covered property
   • The ownership by individuals shall remain unchanged, but shall be subject to the regulator and financial oversight of the Republic of Korea and relevant agencies and entities.

Articles of Culture, Social Integration, and Financial support​

1. In the years of division, culture and the arts despite different paths of development taken by the two states in Korea - formed one of the foundations for the continuing unity of the Korean nation. They have an indispensable contribution to make in their own right as the Koreans cement their unity in a single state The position and prestige of a united Korea in the world depend not only on its political weight and its economic strength, but also on its role in the cultural domain. The overriding objective of external cultural policy shall be cultural exchange based on partnership and cooperation.
   • The cultural substance in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty shall not suffer any damage and shall be deemed protected heritage of the Korean people and allocated financial, material and personnel resources accordingly.
   • Measures shall be taken to provide for the performance of cultural tasks, including their financing, with the protection and promotion of culture and the arts being the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture and relevant agencies.
   • The cultural institutions which have been under central authority of the Korean Worker's Party and relevant entities shall come under the responsibility of the Ministry of Culture, the possibility of individuals making a contribution to financing shall not be ruled out.
   • The collections, cultural artifacts, items of Korean heritage, and other items of cultural domain shall be collected and preserved by the Korean Government and shall likewise be preserved and shared through showcasing by agencies of the Ministry of Culture and regional entities.
2. The Cultural Fund shall be continued up to 31 December 2004 on a transitional basis in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty to promote culture, the arts and artists. The possibility of the fund being extended shall not be ruled out. Discussions.
   • The cultural fund and programs shall be made to ensure the integration of citizens of the Unified Korea into the lifestyle and cultures that have diverged and to ensure the cultural harmony of the undivided Korean people
3. In order to offset the effects of the division of Korea the central government may help to finance, on a transitional basis, individual cultural programs and institutions in to enhance the cultural infrastructure and understanding.

Articles of Educational, Scientific, and degree validity​

1. School, vocational or higher education certificates or degrees obtained or officially recognized in the Democratic People's Republic shall continue to be valid. Examinations passed and certificates obtained in the territory specified in Annex I or in the Republic of Korea, shall be considered equal and shall convey the same rights if they are of equal value. Their equivalence shall be established by the respective competent agency on application. Legal provisions of the Republic of Korea and the International Entities responsible regarding the equivalence of examinations and certificates, and special provisions set out in this Treaty shall have priority. In all cases this shall not affect the right to use academic professional titles and degrees obtained or officially recognized or conferred.
   • The usual recognition procedure operated by the Ministers of Education, Science, & Culture shall apply to teaching diploma examinations. The said Minister shall make appropriate transitional arrangements.
   • Examination certificates issued under the trained occupation scheme and the skilled workers' training scheme as well as final examinations and apprentices' final examinations in recognized trained occupations shall be considered equal.
   • The regulations necessary for the reorganization of the school system in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty shall be adopted by the central government. The necessary regulations for the recognition of examinations under educational law shall be agreed by the aforementioned Ministers.
   • Undergraduates who move to another institution of higher education before completing their studies shall have their study and examination record up to that point recognized according to the principles laid down in within the terms of the rules governing admission to state examinations in this treaty.
   • The entitlements to study at an institution of higher education confirmed on leaving certificates issued by engineering and technical schools of the Democratic People's Republic shall be valid in accordance with the principles and procedures for the recognition of technical school and higher education certificates.
   • All disputes to validity and investigation shall fall under the purview of the Ministry of Education & Justice in matters of educational and science related issues and to the Ministry of Labor & Justice in matter of technical skill and work.
2. In the united Korea, science and research shall continue to constitute important foundations of the state and society. The need to renew science and research in the unified territories while preserving efficient institutions shall be taken into account by an expert report on publicly maintained institutions prepared by the Ministry of Science with individual results to be implemented step by step before that date.
   • The matters of research into banned substances, weapons, and other programs considered prohibited under the Global Assembly provisions and bans on weapons of mass destruction shall be suspended and held under the competent central authority for eventual disposal
3. The following provisions are intended to make possible the preparation of this report and ensure the incorporation of science and research in the territories of the united Korea in regards to the the joint research structure of the Republic of Korea.
   • Upon the accession taking effect, the relevant academies and institutions of Sciences of the Democratic People's Republic shall be separated as a learned society from the research institutes and other institutions. For the time being the research institutes and other institutions shall continue to exist up to 31 December 1998 in so far as they have not been previously dissolved or transformed. Transitional arrangements shall be made for the financing of these institutes and institutions up to 31 December 1998; the requisite funds shall be provided in 1998 by the central government
   • The employment contracts of the staff employed at the research institutes and other institutions of the relevant academies and institutions of Sciences of the Democratic People's Republic of Sciences shall continue to exist up to 31 December 1998 as limited employment contracts with the Länder to which these institutes and institutions are transferred. The right to cancel these employment contracts with or without notice under the conditions listed in Annex I to this Treaty shall remain unaffected.
   • The Central Government shall seek to ensure that the proven methods and programs of research promotion in the Republic of Korea are applied as soon as possible to the entire territory and that the scientists and scientific institutions in the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty are given access to current research promotion schemes. Furthermore, certain programs and assistance for promoting research and development which have expired in the territory of the Republic of Korea shall be reopened for the territory specified in Annex I of this Treaty; this shall not include fiscal measures.

Protocols of Implementation and Ratification​

1. This Treaty, including the attached Protocol and Annexes I to II, shall enter into force on the day on which the Governments of the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea have informed each other that the internal requirements for such entry into force have been fulfilled.
2. The Treaty shall remain valid as law after the accession has taken effect and shall be done in Korean with the leaders of the Republic of Korea and Democratic People's Republic of Korea in attendance.
3. The Republic of Korea and Democratic People's Republic of Korea agree that decisions under the treaty and its complete implementation shall be the prerogative of the legislative bodies of the Republic after the election of the first all-Korean National Assembly and after the establishment of full rights of participation and electoral legal process.

 

[Jay]

1998.04.2​

The South Korean Government would move quickly to mobilize aid and assistance to the North. In the port of Incheon food resources were loaded onto bulk carriers where the Korean Civil Defense, Navy, and non-governmental groups would work to fill the two bulk carriers with rice. The North Korea NGOs would raise additional funds to purchase and provide food aid to provide assistance to those in the North. The South Korean Government would ensure the carriers were filled with rice and food supplies. While the discussion on medical assistance had broken down, the South Korean Government would also store a number of basic medical supplies to assist the North. Over the next two days the South Koreans would continue to move resources and personnel to ensure the transfer.

After some time, the two ships would be completely filled. The South Korean Coast Guard would be responsible for the transfer of the resources. While both sides in the Panmunjom discussions had agreed to that the aid would go to the people and not be hoarded off, there was little the South could do but leave it to the North honoring the agreement. While Kim Jong-Il had given is personal promise that aid would be distributed, the National Security Council in Korea did not have much faith in the North. Their biggest worry was the aid being taken and used for the military and the people continuing to suffer.

The South Korean intelligence services would let this opportunity go to waste either. Whatever flowery language the two Koreas said in public or in meetings, both sides were at war and neither would allow the other to take advantage of the other. The NIS would be apart of the deliver team to inspect and analyze the North Korean docks, see their technology, staff, and the physique of the staff there to get a better understanding of the situation in the North. The South Korean Government would not be aware of the operation outside of the NIS and the Coast Guard. The NIS would be members of the Coast Guards SSAT unit who were providing security to the vessel.

It was agreed that the ships could enter the North, the vessels departing from Incheon and heading across the Northern Line Limit. The area was far from a demilitarized zone. Was they passed through the South's controlled territory, islands fortified, radar towers, large destroyers and frigates, all patrolled the sector. They would be escorted through the area to avoid the danger zones and would then be escorted by the Korean People's Navy who's vessels would guide them away from the North's defenses. The NIS on board with extended surveillance equipment would take pictures of some islands where North Korean soldiers were stationed, fortifications, some of the terrain on the coastline where they expected artillery units were deployed.

As they progressed north, the vessels would arrive at Nampo Port where they would begin offloading the equipment. The process would take a couple of hours and the South Koreans were not allowed to disembark. On board some crew members ate while the SSAT monitored the vessel for any saboteurs. The NIS agents on board would take photos and make analysis on the North's security around the port. The offloading was done entirely by machinery, indicating that over the past three years that the North had gotten some technical assistance from some neighboring power. They would analyze the equipment and being able to see Chinese characters concluded it was provided by the Chinese. They would take additional photos of storage units, fences, equipment, and persons on the ground. A number of trucks could also be seen, while their designs and chassis were covered, the top of the trucks gave some intelligence. Perhaps military, but, which units they could not determine.

The remainder of the transport and offloading would go uninterrupted. There wouldn't be any saboteurs nor abrupt stops. The situation was relatively calm. Compared to the busy Incheon Port where cargos came and went, loud machines roared, trucks and trains moving them around the country, the Nampo Port was silent. It was almost like a cautioning calm. It was troublesome...perhaps the patrons of the North had forsaken it and truly the situation was on the verge of collapse. This analysis would be incorporated into a report to be sent to the NSC after the mission.

1998.04.3
​

The North Korean Leader and his motorcade would drive across Pyongyang as they headed to the Great Leader's residence. Kim Jong-Il would review the data about the South Korean Ship that had arrived. They had delivered the supplies and even donated a number of basic medical equipment. The Great Leader smiled as he had gotten what he wanted without and major concessions. The temporary setback in regards to the military situation on the DMZ still favored him. He knew very well the South's military was crumbling, with seven million soldiers to the South's estimated 300,000, the disparity in terms of pure manpower was significant enough. However, the failure to capitalize on the 1997 political crisis in the South and the subsequent famines that rampaged the country meant the North's willpower was crumbling. While it was unannounced, the Chinese and Russians had both stopped supplying the North. Without their aid, fuel and money was drying up and for long periods of time even in the great city of Pyongyang the lights would go out and not come back for hours if not days.

The Crisis gripping the North was not helped by the political fracturing left by the death of the eternal President. His favored generals and successors were bitterly embattled for their lives against his son Kim Jong-il. A fact not elusive to the leader. As the famine became worse and worse with tens of thousands dying every week at this point, the situation was becoming increasingly difficult to maintain. Even at the frontline, malnutrition was creeping into the minds and stomachs of the frontline troops. Had they been assigned randomly, it was without a doubt to the leader they would've defected...an act he could not allow. The guards at the DMZ were carefully being monitored and chosen as well as fed. Frontline units at the DMZ received whatever could be rationed.

Kim Jong-il while knowing he could perhaps overwhelm the South within two or three weeks was wary of the impact. The breaking of the ROK-US alliance gave him the ability to launch an invasion without any immediate repercussions. However, the war would be costly and the air and naval superiority of the smaller ROK Forces was a challenge. His Armies were slowly crumbling as is, if he had not missed the opportunity in 1997 he surly could've ruled all of Korea as his father had hoped to reunify the great people. Now, it was looking unlikely reunification could be achieved by the North. With the State on the verge of collapse the food aid was a necessary act of salvation, but made it known the struggles of his state. His doctors were worried about his health, and the other generals like a pack of hungry dogs stood around waiting for a moment of weakness to strike. He was caught between this struggle and with one hand would try and crush the generals and bring the South closer to him...how to achieve it he was yet to conclude. He was certain the South would not accept reunification unless it was their absorption of the North. He would have to retire from politics and possibly go into exile into China or somewhere...something he did not wish to happen. As the Motorcade drove past Pyongyang the Great Leader's chest would begin to feel like it was crumbling on itself. He was feeling light headed...and discomforted in his arms. He simply ignored this meager signs of fatigue and stress. He had to figure out a plan for how he would reunify the Korean Peninsula. However, it only looked to him the option was forceful conquest. Before the South could on its crippled legs beg the Americans, he had to strike the sword against the neck of the capitalists.

 

[Jay]

1998.04.05 Pyongyang
​

It was simply another day in Pyongyang. The metropolitan city was bustling with people and some tourists. The city had continued to develop into modern city with high rise buildings, large apartments, metro system, and advanced infrastructure. Comparative to the rest of the country, the capital was almost like another university. While most North Koreans would never see the bustling city, it was still a special feat for the deprived and relatively improvised country. In the city, the salons and coffee shops were bustling amongst the elites who lived their lives. The offices bustling with workers and staffers, and the city running as it had done. Since the mid-1990s, the situation had become more unstable with power outages more common and food supplies into the city shrinking. A number of close inner families had seen the crisis, and instead spent the majority of their time abroad in places such as China, Switzerland, and across Europe. Taking their money and often children.

The South Korean intelligence services was monitoring the situation in Pyongyang and becoming more aware through its human intelligence operations. The gossip in the salons and amongst inner families proved crucial in understanding the situation. Even the colorful buildings and clothing of the North looked dull and unsavory in the darkness that came with the night. While Kim Jong-Il's palace and residences would not suffer constant blackouts, occasional ones were enough to anger the Great Leader. The murmurs grew more fierce everyday and the number of people seeing the regime collapsing grew.

Even the Armed Forces began contemplating what needed to be done. During the Eternal President's era, he had balanced the relationship and kept the military under his firm control through a group of friends from his time during the anti-Japan guerrilla movement. The same was not true of either Stalin and Mao who made certain to limit the political power of the military and ensure the party dominated the army and not the other way around. The Juche Military-First policies eroded this power balance and the military is an integral part of the North Korean power structure. With the death of Kim Il-Sung the Eternal Leader, the power vacuum was only a lingering thought. The collapse of the ability to bribe and keep the power structure in place meant Kim would have to divert his power to hold his grip on the military. The balance was being ripped apart. It was agreed that reforms would be needed to stabilize the currency first. The Korean Government's financial grants would be the first step in achieving these sets of reforms. They would not be enough, but, Kim Jong-il was willing to take these costs.

​

The North Korean Government would assembly in Pyongyang to discuss the rising inflation concerns. With the North Korean Won's destabilization, internal prices were rising and there was mass murmur of discontent and anger. In attempt to stifle the Army, Kim Jong-Il had mobilized resources already limited to the military to hold them at bay. While his iron first crushed all those Generals he deemed a threat, the three Generals favored by his Father had made things difficult. It was still under four years since the passing of the Eternal President and the in-fighting was damaging enough. The Great Leader's maneuver would cause significant strain for the party and a lot of anger was building up over the mass militarization and military-first policy while the situation had neither changed nor improved. Across the country, the situation was becoming unbearable. At this point, over a million North Koreans had died and thousands more everyday from famine and hunger.

Even if it was not being said, it was felt there was a powder keg building up. The officials in the party saw it, the Army say, and even Kim Jong-Il saw it. The food aid from the South and military concessions were a big blow. However, even the little aid achieved would do little to help the regime. When China collapsed, the situation began to unravel. Slowly the aid and stabilization efforts were lost. The energy sector was completely decimated and the provinces suffering under the food taxation and quotas. The number of defections had risen to China with hundreds crossing the rivers. Kim could not go to another request from the South without giving up further concessions. The position of weakness was becoming clear to the South and his military options were limited. A full out war would be cataursophic and with the exception of a few divisions, the majority of the army was underfed and suffering from equipment issues from fuel and spare parts.

The North's gambit on the Soviet Union had failed, and with it the 1998 planned attacks could never materialize. The situation was to put it simply, bad. The collapse of the North that many defectors continued to promise was slowly materializing. Without any form of substantial aid, the North's elites would slowly see their own belts squeezed. The two bulk carriers would to be enough to suffice the growing needs of the regime and their impact would go beyond the hands of a few impoverished towns, the rest taken to Pyongyang and the frontlines. The South Korean Government was aware this was a possibility, however, could not monitor the rationing. The basic medical supplies would be quickly swallowed by the state medical industries to fit mass shortages across the country.

After being required to remove troops, the North quickly use the funds to procure supplies to sustain itself and cover its damaged economy. However, without any formal economic institutions that could be independent, the money would be slowly siphoned by different elites. Even in the crisis, everyone was looking out for their own interests. The North Korean Government had met that day to discuss economic reforms to address the inflation crisis. Their main plan now would be to address the crisis and move forward from there. The Economic Advisors would propose that the exchange rate of old NKW to new bills would be made at 100,000 won per person to undercut inflation. This involved removing currency in circulation and limiting the supply to allow a reduction in the consumer prices and resolve the consumption crisis. This would involve a freeze on bank deposits above a million won (1,000,000.00 NKW) and allow a steady conversion process as people converted their currency. While some of the economic advisors were weary of these changes, they had to provide some plan to the leadership. The issue of the black-market and dollarization of the North Korean economy was concerning. The sub-state economic enterprises however were a mixture of elite-run operations and the rural community elites. The dollarization was brought by the use of dollars in trading and the lack of value or strength of the NKW.

The Party would agree to the measures unanimously after the Great Leader endorsed it as his wise plan to address inflation. He would move the matter to be implemented within the next couple of weeks to address the crisis and for regional party members to be informed of their required course of action. The new NKW bills would be prepared in the mean time and the Great Leader concluding the session. The Party meetings would then move to discuss the situation with the South and the impact of China's collapse ad how to deal with the outlook. Since 1995, the lack of a sustainable policy had led to a degradation

 

[Jay]

1998.04.05 Pyongyang
​

In the North, at a private hotel the heads of the North Korean Reconnaissance General Bureau, Frontline Division, and Supreme Guard Command were assembling at the Hotel which was guarded by members of the SGC. Vice Marshal Yun Jongrin would invite the heads of the RGB (General Kim Koksik), and Generals Ri Yongho, Choe Kwang, Kim Sikho and the head of the front-line artillery command, General Kim Ilchol. The North Korean Generals arrived one by one during the night in small vehicles to avoid suspicion. The entire hotel had been empty and the only people there that night were the officers. The Generals would enter the conference room where they all sat and Vice Marshal Yun spoke.

Vice Marshal Yun: "The situation is becoming very unstable. The party leadership is sending very concerning signals over its disfunction. After we failed to strike in 1997, the crisis has grown too extensive."

General Kim: "Yes, not to mention the fuel shortages and food supplies in the military has rendered the majority of the fighting-capable units incapable to exercise any prolonged or any operations at all. The jet fuel has run out ferrying in the political elites resources and the Air Force has jets without fuel, while the missile development efforts have yet to bear fruit. They begged the South for money...and now we've been further handicapped."

Vice Marshal Yun: "I think we understand then what must be done to advert the biggest crisis...our collapse and take over by the capitalists."

General Choe: "We aren't going to overthrow the Great Leader. Are you crazy? The reason you have your job is to protect him...it is why we all agreed you would get the position. Are you going crazy?"

Vice Marshal Yun: "Crazy? Crazy is believing we can survive this. We must endure. We can not sell out this republic that we built with the bare hands and broken bonds of our people. We must endure and survive until China rises again, for surely they will surpass all others. Then. Then we will be strong enough to take revenge. If we seek reform, and open up, what happens to us? We will collapse. Look at China and Vietnam...when they reform they could afford to fail because they would survive. If we fail, it is over. This is the true nature of the capitalists, they are waiting patiently for us to collapse."

General Kim: "Even if we did what you were suggesting, it would never work. We don't have the money or resources to keep going. Even the Leadership doesn't acknowledge it, within three months the country will collapse. You've heard the murmur on the streets and amongst the troops, there is anger and restlessness. All it takes is a single spark Vice Marshal. If you think changing the office will work, it won't. The influx of illegal contraband from the South is disseminating quickly and soon enough they will flee South."

General Ri: "What if we let the regime collapse?" Everyone looked at the senior General, one of the few of them who had lived through the war and seen as a symbol of the armies power and strength. There was a face of confusion even on Vice Marshal Yun's face. "You are looking at me like I called for the Akma spirit haha...What if we let the regime collapse. The Chinese and South would have to deal with the crisis as millions flee across our borders. Do you think the political elites in Seoul can say no to these hungry and impoverished brothers and sisters? Do you think the political elites in Beijing can say no when they can't even control the large border? Then, we will come in...offering stability in exchange for a stable supply of resources and money. We'll stop the refugees from coming and going."

General Kim: "What if they don't take it? What if the South uses this as a pretext to wipe us out? We've seen the stolen Operational Plans. It is complete and total war, one which we can't sustain longer than a few weeks. Generously at that. Letting the regime collapse is a dangerous gambit, one we can't control what happens...what if the elites here sign a deal with the capitalists?"

Vice Marsal Yun: "We need to stop these possibilities and cut them from the source. You think Kim isn't thinking about us in paranoia? How long before we're lined up and shot. We need to act quickly and save this country from being destroyed. We remove the corrupt people surrounding Kim, then we can do something."

General Ri: "Have some respect for the Chairman. We can't achieve anything alone, without the Pyongyang Defense Command. Any in-fighting will cause a schism that can be exploited. If you're doing this on the bet that the Chinese will come to help us, you are lying to yourself. They aren't coming to help us either. No matter what blood brother affection you're holding.

General Kim Ilchol: "I believe what is becoming true is something needs to be done. Regardless what it is. Even if we disagree, we will need to deal with the party sooner or later before they deal with us."

The North Korean generals would continue to deliberate their course of action. Just as forces in the South readied to do what was necessary or the defense of their Republic, the North was undergoing a similar feat. The party elites and their close associates in the North walking a fine line and suspicion high amongst all. It was without a doubt, things were going to happen in the North that would change the outcome of Korea's future. In the South, the Korean Government would complete its documents for demarcation and extension of the air space and maritime borders for the Republic of Korea. For submission to ICAO and the GA for registering Korea's EEZ and territorial boundaries. The Korean Government would have to address the Chinese claims over Baekdu Mountain and the issue of Noktundo which Russia administered. While the Korean Government had little desire to push these claims, they had to clarify their disputes with the treaty and make it apart of the Annex of the treaty. These were the complex issues of reunification that many would neither care about abroad, but for the Korean people, it can not be ignored. The Blue House would task the Foreign Ministry with explorations on these issues and how to deal with them. The South Koreans would be moving ahead with their version of the unification process as they eyed a very tight window of a peaceful ascension. Still, the ROK Armed Forces had different visions and they were preparing their own operational plan to ensure the complete eradication of the North's military and stabilizing the regime in its collapse.

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Republic of Korea - Democratic People's Republic of Korea Treaty of Unification and Associated Articles of Korean Unity ​

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Basic Agreement on the Unification of the Republic of Korea
Annex of Geographic Ascension
​

The post-unified Republic of Korea shall in the legal sense shall not a successor state, but an enlarged continuation of the former 'South' Korea. As such, the enlarged Republic of Korea shall maintain its seats of international organizations (including Nordic Council and Global Assembly) as outlined in the Articles of International legal importance and International organizations and cooperative entities. Any membership, alliances, and other forms of multilateral groups which the D.P.R.K. maintains memberships shall cease to exist just as the D.P.R.K. 'North' Korea ceases to exist. As the North is not considered a legal entity by the Republic of Korea, it shall be absorbed in line with the constitution with the Republic of Korea the only sovereign entity on the Peninsula. The Republic of Korea shall maintain the membership of the old 'South' Korea in the Global Assembly.

With the formal accession of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, the extension of the Republic of Korea Constitution shall be extended to all the sovereign territories of the Korean Peninsula, adjacent islands, and territories controlled and administered by both parties. Formally the procedure of reunification by means of the accession of North Korea to The Republic of Korea, and of North's acceptance of the South's Constitutionalists Law already in force in South Korea, shall initiated as the unilateral, decision of North, as allowed by the provisions of article 3 & 4 of the Republic of Korea constitution as it then existed.

​

In line with this accession process, the Republic of Korea shall through internal deliberation adjudicate the territorial disputes, demarcations, and issues related to maritime and air space with neighboring states pertaining to the D.P.R.K. The post-unified Korean Republic shall in line with Article 3 of Constitution "The territory of the Republic of Korea shall consist of the Korean peninsula and its adjacent islands," extend its sovereignty throughout the Peninsula and territories of the former North by the process of accession.

The Republic of Korea shall dispute and retain its right as the sole sovereign entity over the Korea Peninsula the status of Noktundo Island, currently occupied by Russia. The 1985 Treaty in this regard is not recognized as legitimate. The essence of the maritime boundaries of Exclusive Economic Zone shall be based on the principles of the DPRK-Russia maritime agreements. Likewise, the Republic of Korea does not consider the 1962 Agreement between the DPRK-China legitimate and shall not be considered validated by the Republic of Korea on the division of the Korean territory of Mount Baekdu. The Republic of Korea shall maintain by the legal means of accession, its maritime agreements signed before the Unification Treaty and shall work to address the occupation of Korean territory through diplomatic means of addressing Noktundo and Baekdu.

Korean Air Defense Identification Zone (KADIZ) shall cover the land and water boundaries of the Republic of Korea in which the identification, location, and control of civil aircraft is performed in line with the national security of the Republic of Korea. The Republic of Korea shall extend its ADIZ to encompass the airspace of the North. With the zone was established in 1951, the area has gradually been expanded to address new concerns. When part of or the whole flight route of an aircraft enter the KADIZ area, it is required to send a specific flight plan one hour prior to departure. Civilian aircraft with regular routes should submit a repetitive flight plan to the air traffic control. There is no need for legal action when an aircraft enters KADIZ as long as the aircraft follows its flight plan reported to the Republic of Korea government. If there is a change in the flight passage or an approach without prior notification, the Republic of Korea air force has the right to immediately identify or track down the aircraft and be prepared for interception.

Air Identification Zone and Airspace

Exclusive Economic Zone
(1974 Joint-Zone covered in Annex II of the Basic Agreement)
Map clarifications in accordance to Soviet-DPRK Agreement on Maritime Boundaries
Demarcation of Claimants on the Korean-Chinese Maritime Boundaries

1974 Agreement between Korea & Japan governing the Southern Exclusive Economic Zone

​

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The collapse of China in the context of augmenting the collapse of the Soviet Union in the relationship and subsequent decline in aid to North Korea is crucial in the understanding of the current possibility and trajectory of the collapse of North Korea. National Intelligence Service intelligence reports on North Korea from the food aid delivery indicated to the National Security Council that port activity had declined by 140% and cargo vessels have no docked in over several months. The death of Kim Il-Sung in 1994 further increases the instability amongst political elites and the army. Whether power can be successfully consolidated in Pyongyang against the current economic crash, energy crisis, and famine is severely unknown. A power struggle will lead to the implosion of the states elites and subsequent trickle down into a collapse of the regime. While many foreign observers holding any conversations about the future of the regime always look at the resilience of the regime and its tools of maintaining control, the current situation is far more complex and concerning. The magnitude of problems associated with collapse, the complexity of mitigating them, and the serious dangers associated with mismanaging this effort all highlight the critical importance of advance planning for this contingency. Coordinated planning, particularly between the inter-branches of the Armed Forces, is essential to avoid massive loss of life among North Koreans and dangerous escalation between countries that might step in to stabilize the country after collapse.
Government collapse in Pyongyang could create anarchy or a vacuum in which several serious problems might develop on the peninsula. These might include the disappearance of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) across international borders; a humanitarian disaster, and the potential for ongoing insurgency and violence. Hunger and insecurity could trigger a massive refugee crisis if North Koreans take flight in search of food and safety.

In terms of the ROK's immediate concern, securing (WMDs), securing the frontline zone to ensure disarmament of artillery and combat divisions, preventing a massive transfer of North Koreans into the ROK, and maintaining a military capacity that can retaliate against acts of aggression by a foreign power and regional entities. The ROK Army can not send in convoys of food and medicine into anarchic areas without military escort and addressing the security apparatus (military, internal security, reserves) that could disrupt relief efforts must be coordinated. Addressing the humanitarian role in this crisis to stabilize North Korea requires direct military action.

Fearing refugees and seeking to secure WMD, necessary military missions to stabilize North Korea under OPLAN 5029 a government collapse. Such missions include (1) stability operations to secure roads, provide public security, and deliver humanitarian relief; (2) finding, securing, and eliminating North Korea’s WMD program; (3) border control; (4) the disarmament of North Korean military forces, in order to disarm potential insurgents; and (5) a rapid reaction force standing by to deter or subdue any insurgent or military activity that might interfere with the provision of aid.

In a benign scenario as outlined by the Unification Treaty, North Korean elites would not vie for power, and security forces would cooperate with the foreign stability forces. This situation would be a cooperative effort of the ROK Army with the disarmed Korean People's Army in the securing of the Demilitarized Zone and the infrastructure within North Korea. The ROK Army Helicopter and Aerial Elements and Air Force will be used to deploy advanced elements of the ROK Armed Forces along the Korean-Chinese border and the ROK Navy to secure the maritime waters. The current range of troops per 1,000 people has been set at 13 ROK Uniformed Personnel per 1,000 persons in the North. This has been based on the data on the middle ground between a strong enough force to be a functioning military force and conduct efforts of humanitarian operations.

Mobilizing and inserting a force of this size would confront significant logistical and diplomatic challenges.The North's poor infrastructure would make it impossible to flow such a large number of troops, weaponry, and logistical support into the theater. Thus, aerial units play a crucial in mobility. The ROK Armed Forces in the 1998 White Paper outlined procuring 120 KAI KUH-1 Surion Helicopters and procured 5 Il-76m heavy transporters from Russia. It would be required to secure 25 Lockheed KC-130J Hercules to support these operations, and a large number of Boeing Chinook helicopters. Such efforts alone would be required to deal with the massive amounts of humanitarian aid that is to be delivered. They would be required as well to transport forces apart of the effort.

The total amount of troops to be deployed is expected to be 312,000 personnel drawing its personnel from the ROK Army, Marine Corps, Air Force, Navy, and Reserve Forces. The bulk of the operational force would come from the Reserve Forces which would contribute between 64-68% of the force. Operating under the legal framework of a state of emergency within the territories of the Republic of Korea and as outlined by the Constitution. Stabilizing the North would be done amongst tiers in which the first tier is securing the territorial borders of the nation, WMD sites, important government buildings, military bases, and the demilitarized zone. subsequently the next tier and phases would be disarmament, collection of weapons, and allowing the safe return of the reserve forces to their civilian life. The ROK Armed Forces would incorporate existing North Korean equipment into its arsenal for eventual disarmament. Because of the danger of anarchy in Pyongyang and the northern part of the country while the stability force works its way northward, the ROK Armed Forces shall deploy advanced units through aircrafts and helicopters and work with local units of the KPA to coordinate these efforts. The ROK Navy and Marine Corps shall work to create a stability force that stretches between two of the North's major ports Nampo and Chongjin and establish control over the lines of communication, and infrastructure.

Our major concern is that in the event of the North's collapse and any refugee activity, the Chinese would intervene in order to stabilize its southern border. The Chinese could if the collapse occurs without a pre-planned operations plan to move ahead of the ROK Armed Forces meaning the likelihood of confrontation and war. The collapse of the Chinese regime and its inability to reorganized effectively at this stage, the likelihood is limited. Secondly, if a peaceful transition occurs, the ROK Army and KPA can coordinate together and secure the border zone before announcing unification. The sense of mistrust between the ROK Army and KPA and other branches of the Korean Military units is a major issues that needs to be addressed. In any such joint-action, the KPA units would be absorbed into the ROK Command Structure and systematically demobilized over the period of the operation.

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Mission	Requirements (number of soldiers)
Stability Operation	180,000-312,000
Border control	24,000
WMD elimination	3,000-10,000
Conventional disarmament	50,000
Combat/Deterrence	7,00-12,000
Total Requirement	263,000-405,500

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Operational Plan on the Unification of the Korean Peninsula[Modified]

CONFIDENTIAL
MISSION PLAN​

File Information:
Name: Operation Plan 5029-KU [Unification]
Original Classification: Top Secret
Current Classification: Top Secret
File Name: CWDBH OPFTUOFKP
File Number: NSC/MND #0001
---

This document is high classified, and shall only be accessed with explicit permission from the National Security Director, The National Security Council, the Minister of National Defense, or President Kim Daejung.

Preamble

Operational Plan 5029 (also referred to as: the Unification Security & Stabilization Force Plan) is an ROK plan and course of action with the intention of stabilizing the 250 kilometer Demilitarized Zone and the 1,352 kilometer Chinese-Korean border. The mission is to be carried out by the joint branches of the ROK Armed Forces. Under the legal context of the Constitution of the Republic of Korea and as authorized by the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the heading of the Blue House and National Security Council, the ROK Armed Forces shall take necessary action to ensure success of this mission. Based on the plans submitted by the Joint Chiefs of Staff, the National Security Council shall convene to formally approve Operation Plan 5029-U and as deemed necessary make appropriate modifications in the interest of the Republic of Korea and its citizens.

• Admiral Park Kyungjil

Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff

Mission Details:
312,000 Personnel
Equipment to be updated:

Designation	Location	Status
ROK Armed Forces Bases	Across the Republic of Korea	Active

Objective I	ROK Forces shall immediately deploy from the Demilitarized Zone through the agreed routes to begin stabilizing the DMZ from a refugee crisis. ROK Special Forces and Airborne Units shall be deployed to special locations to seize WMDs and secure airstrips and naval ports to allow the further deployment of troops and equipment. The KPA shall assist in the early phases of this planning and execution s well as augment as auxiliary forces. Local insight shall be produced by KPA personnel. The ROK Airborne Units shall further secure the Chinese-Korean Border and shall raise the ROK Flag across the border points to signify the territorial authority of the ROK Army over its territory.	Timeline: 24 hours for activation and departure, 48 hours for total completion of insertion	Planned
Objective II (A)	ROK Personnel and Aircrafts shall be flown into Pyongyang, Wonsan, and other major zones of importance to begin unloading personnel and humanitarian aid, the ROK Air Force and Marine Corps shall secure all airfields and ports for use serving as entry of resources and assistance.	Timeline: 24 hours upon activation and 12 hours for completion	Planned
Objective II (B)	The ROK Army and Marine Corps shall secure the physical borders along the North of the country and ensure the safety and stability of the area, the ROK Armed Forces shall coordinate ensuring the airspace and maritime borders are protected and maintained.	Timeline: Within 4 hours of completion of Phase OBJ I	Planned
Objective III	ROK Medical Personnel from the Armed Forces and Civilian Entities shall begin deployments to provide emergency care and assistance, all of which shall be done in coordination of local contacts and personnel. NGOs and ROK Government shall coordinate food aid and resources for immediate deployment and a national campaign shall be conducted to raise capital and resources for the effort.	Timeline: Unknown	Planned
Objective IV	The ROK National Police shall begin moving alongside other emergency services to provide assistance to the existing emergency and security forces in the North and relieve ROK Military personnel. ROK military personnel shall be diverted to disarmament and assisting KPA in regular functions of maintenance of borders and regions.	Timeline: 12 hours after completion of objective III	Planned
Objective V	ROK Joint Chiefs will meet with Operational Commanders to assess the impact of the mission, its efficiency, and its downside and shall address logistical issues continuously and then make plans for procurement of new logistical units and investment towards infrastructure efforts.	Timeline: Upon completion of Operation	Planned

 

[Jay]

It has been less than a month since the currency reforms set off a bout of inflation and contributed to the further devaluing of the North Korean won took place. Continuing food availability problems and energy issues has crushed the country. The trajectory of prices for rice, corn, and coal since March 1998 has skyrocketed A simple regression of the prices shows inflation on an annualized basis has averaged 131 percent for rice and 138 percent for corn. The won has depreciated rapidly and has lost a significant portion of its value. Thee blackmarket exchange rate and grain prices had be consistent with a small, open economy in which prices are roughly constant in hard currency terms, but are skyrocketing in terms of the rapidly depreciating domestic currency. The rise in the relative price of corn to rice would be consistent with a deteriorating situation in which households are shifting demand away from the preferred staple rice toward the cheaper, less preferred grain, corn. Most worrisome, was the recent post-harvest observations. It’s not just food either as growing anxiety over rising coal prices used for winter home heating. The scarcity of coal in local markets to the diversion of domestic coal supplies to the military is a result of the collapsed mines and destroyed coal facilities.

1998.05.10
​

North Korean authorities quickly tried to placate people outraged at a shock currency reform. As word spread that popular protests were erupting across the country it raised warning levels in Pyongyang. The military was put in a tough position, they needed to act immediately and quash the rebellion, but, the anger was swelling and anguished troops were themselves frustrated. The government quickly raised the maximum amount of old bills that can be exchanged into new ones. Market riots in response to skyrocketing commodity prices that caught authorities on the back foot. The reaction is set to raise the maximum amount of old bills that can be exchanged from 100,000 won per person to 500,000, still at a rate of 100:1. The man responsible for the proposal was immediately executed and his successor told to figure out a way out of the mess. The main issues had not been the reforms, but the state of the economy. The hastily organized reforms backfired and the team was under constant watch to get it under control. They took further measures including allowing people to exchange all their old bills into new ones if they deposit their money in the bank. People are angry that their savings could effectively disappear. This would not be the first time as has happened in the past when they had not allowed to withdraw any money. A lack of regulations on commodity prices or monetary transactions between enterprises following the currency reform has sent prices skyrocketing. State-set prices have massively fluctuated based on market changes. The widening gap between state-set prices and real ones in the market has occurred.

The Koreans surrounded a party headquarters near Wonsan where authorities had promised not to trace the sources of deposits up to 1 million won, and allow people to deposit more than 1 million and withdraw all of it if they can explain how they earned it. Demanding they change this proposal and allow them to deposit their money and withdraw it freely. Market traders in the Hamhung region erupted from ordinary people. The Army summarily executed 12 plotters, but, the protests swelled again. The issue led to reinforcing boded guards and suspending border passes. News would spread, drivers and traders who had left before the suspension had told the news as they crossed the country to deliver limited goods. North Korean authorities were already backtracking under pressure from market forces. Now the anger was turning into a forceful response as the people surrounded the party offices in Wonsan. It was not as easy as they thought it would be to deal so recklessly with people's property. The people have demanded they be allowed to exchange all the money they have in old bills into new ones. The currency reforms were acted in haste without a plan for what happened after and the consequences were showing. Competing elites pitted this against each other and a deteriorating political scenario was occurring.

1998.05.15
​

On the streets of Nampo, tens of thousands gathered on the streets with a simple sign. We are one, People & National Reunification. The South Korean NIS has taken advantage of the chaos and sought to disseminate further information to penetrate the closed kingdom. From balloons to smuggling, the NIS had taken every measure to make sure the South's image, prosperity, and growth was known. The family reunions were apart of that, the healthy and old South Koreans who had visited were televised to the North and the stark comparisons were clear. The sabotage by the NIS would not be as successful as the internal smuggling network and black market where the proliferation of South Korean goods was widespread. K-drams, K-make up, even American and European goods were available. Anyone with the money could afford it. Many thought of it as merely propaganda as they had been lied to about the prosperity of the South. Led to believe it was in shambles and debt and people on the streets. Had it not been the for the absolute breakdown of their society and pain and suffering they would've clinged onto their longstanding rulers and the values they espoused. They had no reason to protest, but, they were all at a breaking point. What caused this crowd to assemble and cry for reunification...was weird...as if even forces in the North's elite were hoping for it...perhaps forces greater behind it. Nevertheless, May 15th would not be a day the people would forget, no Korean would ever forget it.

 

[Jay]

"We’re all citizens of God’s creation
so let our voices be heard
join hands and heal the world
with universal love guiding our hearts
we’re stronger and better together
than apart
Strength in unity
universal dream
a vision we will serve the world
as one family one"
Korean Reunification!
​

Night set on the Korean Peninsula as it had for many other nights. As darkness set onto the Peninsula, the South would illuminate from the radiance of its electricity and fervor to progress. The North stood in dark silence, perhaps an allegory to the darkness that engulfed the enclosed regime. While the world looked at in backwardness, it represents another story, an alternative Korea. Where the values of progress, education, and determination are deeply rooted as they are in the South. No matter the pressures, the limitations, and the repression, the North Korean people propelled their nation forward. The Korean people's will to not falter, and to move forward. As regimes more resourceful and blessed fell right and left, the North stood its ground, with far less.

The Korean story did not begin in 1950, and it surly did not end in 1953. Since the beginning, the Korean people were the land bridge the Chinese and Japanese sought to control. Successive kingdoms on the Peninsula worked to ensure the sovereignty of the Korean people whether they ruled. As China grew, the tributary system both enshrined power and recognition, but kept the Korean Kingdoms in its Orbit. As Japan extended its vile Empire, its subjugation and cultural genocide of Korea held the country under a brutal boot. When the Korean People gained independence in 1945, the division of the Peninsula cemented in 1948 opened a new chapter in the Korea story. Whether it was as an independent nation, under the sphere of influence of the Chinese, or under the imperial subjugation of Japan, Korea had always remained unified. Now, it was partitioned into two, divided along arbitrary lines. A nations split into two.

Through war and diplomacy, many would attempt to bring the two into one. None had succeeded, and all attempts at reunifying the peninsula were quashed as the two Koreas diverged. The South prospered as they embraced the market-economy principles, and the North slowly progressing under the state-central principles. The two would battle for prosperity and recognition to prove themselves the superior Korea. An unease state of war and armistice existed, but, the violations and attacks only deepened mistrust. The South's prosperity and global prestige showed who was thew inner. The Korean people now lived in polar opposite realities. To an outsider, the two Koreas were the same, but, if time progressed, soon enough both Koreas would see themselves as foreigners to one another. Reunification was not just about peace, it is about soul, heart, and mind. To bring together and revive the Korean people.

This achievement was not that of President Kim or the negotiator, it was a culmination of the efforts of the Korean patriots who liberated Korea from Japan, from the fathers of the Republic who declared Korea's independence, the soldiers who died to keep the Republic safe and in tact, the countless patriots who died in the wars and under state suppression, the heroes of Gwangju and other cities who helped topple the military regime. The reunification of Korea was not achieved by two men, it was achieved by the Korean people.

우리 대한민국 만세

 

[Jay]

1998.06.02
​

On the eve of the inter-Korean Summit, the South and North Korean Armed Forces held their highest level summit. The Army, Air Force, Marines, and Navy alongside their D.P.R.K. equivalent would discuss the transfer of arms and the locations of bases for the purpose of reunification. The million strong North Korean Army to be demobilized would be a major hurdle. However, the unison between the army and political officers in the North backed by financial incentives and the ability for them to live without persecution was enough for the top brass to begin the final plans for the transition. It did not help the North most of their soldiers were malnourished, their equipment without oil and spare parts, and the collapse of the regime made them relatively an ineffective force to counter and forestall the actions of the South. In the South, 300,000 South Korean Soldiers with armored, anti-air, artillery, and helicopters were mobilized. Marines at bases ready to land and aircrafts ready to get airborne to ensure the safe transition.

The summit was a day away, and while the world watched as the first inter-Korean summit took place, the Korean people planned for this massive transition. The ROK Government was on high alert and readying the transition. The Governors of the new provinces from the North were invited and met with their Southern counterpart. Those to be replaced were informed, and asked to assist the transition and promised a position within provincial governments and councils. As well as cash incentives. To the South's surprise, many were happy to cooperate without these incentives. The famine and energy crisis had hit them hard. The widespread malnutrition and the existing medical conditions. They worked closely to ensure a speedy transition and outlined important hospitals, existing infrastructure and spoke openly about their issues.

In the land of the morning calm, calmness and tranquility did not mean staticness. The Korean people would move forward as they always had done. Slowly by slowly, at rapid strides, they embodied the Confucian values of not stoping, no matter how slow. Nearly five decades of separation...As the Americans liked to say, better late than never.

1998.06.03
​

There was an unease in the air. The South Korean Army deployed to the Demilitarized area felt uncertainty. They watched as the clock clicked, its sound like a snake withering across fallen leaves. Their commanding officer would walk in, the men put on their combat helmets as they got up and readied themselves. No weapons...they were told to cross the demilitarized zone and meet the North Koreans...was it a trap? They could not believe the orders at first. The commanding officer saw the worry on his men and did his best to calm them. As they neared the fence gates, the Colonel looked at his men. Speaking calmly and doing his best to explain what would happen to the confused and worried soldiers. The colonel cleared his throat and said,"We've fought a long war. We've stood guard at the walls and barriers so that our parents can rest safely, our families live their lives, and our children to grow up in peace. Some of you are too young to remember the war. Some of you are so young you forgot what it was like when we were together. I know the higher ups of kept us in the dark. But. Don't worry. We're not some guinea pigs sent out. Smile. Your photos may end up in the history books our grandchildren read." The men laughed at that idea. Next to them a camera crew had arrived, wearing military fatigues with the word Press written in Hangeul in White on a black armor plate and vest "You are walking into the reunified Korea." The Colonel said as he stepped across the fence into the North. In the distance a number of North Korean soldiers were assembled, also approaching the South. Colonel Kim would walk to the MDL which separated the two Koreas, extending his hand as the North's Colonel Ryu extended his hand and the two men shook hands. "Welcome to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea Colonel. Please." He said as he invited the Colonel over. The Colonel would step over, crossing into the North as photos and videos were taken. "Thank you Colonel. I hope that as brothers we will serve together, no longer as enemies. I pray for the unity of the Korean people and our progress forward. May the kindness and compassion of the Lord pass onto us and guide as forward." The Koreans would cross over into the North becoming the first soldiers to cross. Invited to see the surrounding area and soon to be destroyed bunkers and guard posts. The men would talk freely, exchanging photos and talking, some soldiers exchanging cigarettes and others chocolates and other sweets. They talked freely as the two officers saw it as a good showcase of the barriers broken. Some of the older corporals who had lost friends on the DMZ wondered how their younger comrades had just gotten up and talked to their enemy. But, they did their best not to show it. The media would take a number of photos and videos to later be released, as the Soldiers crossed the border, in Pyongyang, the two Korean leaders were just starting to formally announce the treaty and end the final barrier of Korean reunification.

 

[Jay]

​

President Kim would touch down in Seoul before his trip to Pyongyang. At Seoul the Korean Delegation was quietly assembling. The move by the North to release a statement had taken away the surprise of the work and painted a far more favorable image of the North. Still, for President Kim, it was a superficial act. For the President the reunification was such a high prize that everything else simply deflected from his mind. He would meet a number of officials who would be joining him and a special arrangement was made for media companies both Korean and foreign to join the President on his plane.

“I am going with the warm hearts of our people and a blessed spirit to make a new reality for the Korean people,” Kim said before he departed. As his plane took off, singing an emotional unification song as the plane crossed into North Korean air space. After landing at Sunan Airport following a 67-minute flight north and walking down what must be one of the world’s longest red carpets, Kim was driven together with the North Korean leader in a black limousine down Pyongyang streets lined with tens of thousands of cheering people. Many women were wearing traditional hanbok robes.

The South Korean president is traveling with his wife, Lee Hee Ho; 130 delegates, including government officials, academics, and business and cultural leaders; and 50 South Korean reporters, all of whom are invited to a massive state banquet tonight. Details of Kim Dae Jung’s itinerary have been kept secret to the South Korean press based on a North Korean request to keep the schedule secret. North Korean leaders’ movements are never disclosed in advance. The planned visit by the President includes a visit to a performing arts school for children and the ancient gate to Pyongyang, and eat North Korea’s famous cold noodles.

Japan, China, Russia and the U.S.--the four powers whose geopolitical jockeying has determined Korea’s fate for most of the last century--have largely lost the political and military capabilities to determine the outcome of Korea’s internal affairs. welcomed the North-South summit. US support for the South has grown over the past year and a strong ROK-US partnership under a unified Korea sets a new tone for Asia’s geopolitical arrangements. Since taking office in August 1997, Kim Dae Jung has pursued a “sunshine policy” of engagement, with the North. The political opposition has accused him of being soft on North Korea and of making possibly dangerous concessions in exchange for the summit. South Korean analysts noticed a number of peculiar conditions. “The summit is taking place as South Korea quietly mobilizes its reserve forces. A gesture contrary to the past year of de-escalation taken by the South. The moral equivalent of the crumbling of the Berlin Wall, is presenting itself, and perhaps the South is capitalizing on this opportunity.

On the eve of the summit, the mood in South Korea was joyful. The Pyongyang circus played for 10 days to acclaim in a sold-out stadium seating 13,000. Audiences sobbed as they sang a unification song together with the acrobats in an emotional finale. Religious groups staged prayer ceremonies for a successful summit. The Korean Dog Assn. announced that at the government’s request, it had selected a pair of Jindo dogs, famed for their loyalty, for Kim Dae Jung to present to Kim Jong Il. The female puppy is named “Peace” and the male is named “Unification.” In return, the Northern leader is expected to give his Southern rival a pair of northern Poong San dogs, also legendary for their loyalty and courage.

Hopes for something more concrete began rising the minute Kim Jong Il was spotted at the airport. A whoop rose in the Seoul Press Center, where the world press corps--barred from Pyongyang--saw the North Korean leader clad in an unadorned khaki military-style suit and raised heels. But aid issues between the old enemies are fraught with politics. South Korea recently offered to send surplus electricity to the North, but the North Koreans refused, fearing dependence on a neighbor that could pull the plug if relations sour, according to a government source.

​

South Korean President Kim Dae-jung received a hero’s welcome today when he landed in Pyongyang and found North Korean leader Kim Jong Il waiting to shake his hand at the airport. With the North Korean honor guard and a crowd of thousands waving flowers and flags as they chanted “Kim Dae Jung!” and “10,000 Years!” As the North Korean leadership hosted the first meeting between leaders of the divided people. This is the first time Kim Jong-il has come out to the airport to meet anybody, setting a good start as the two Koreas have a sense of summit fever ahead of the talks. Inspecting the North's honor guard, President Kim and Chairman Kim walked together across the red carpet in a first for the two Koreas.

​

“It looks like all 3.5 million Pyongyang residents are out on the street today,” said a commentator for South Korea’s KBS television. The two Kims held the first of two private meetings at the Baekhwawon State Guest House and were shown on television chatting amicably. “We will not be able to resolve all at once the bitterness that has accumulated over the past half-century. Yet we have and share the same fate. Let us hold hands firmly. I love you all, forgiveness and compassion, these are the virtues that will help us move forward” the statement concluded. Kim Dae Jung said in an arrival statement released from the guest house. Kim Dae Jung carries the hopes of the estimated 1.2 million surviving refugees who fled to the South during the Korean War. Most have had no word of the fate of relatives left in the North since the truce ending the fighting was signed in 1953. Economic aid and cooperation has been a major driver of these talks as the North Korean regime has partially begun to collapse from the crippling crisis. As a goodwill gesture, as South Korean South agreed to send 200,000 tons of fertilizer, half of which has already been delivered. Starved for electricity, the North is reportedly seeking coal to fire its aging generating plants. The well choreographed visit has been broadcasted globally and Koreans around the globe look towards the developments back home. Hope. Hope is on the minds of every Korean as the first visit between a divided people may hopefully be the last. Hope that the Korean youth will grow up in peace and unity, not war and fear.

​

Emotions were high for President Kim. Landing in Pyongyang, the air, the atmosphere, everything was just numbing to him. He was taken aback, the wide spectacle...and the man himself. His wife pushed him forward as his body stopped, in that brief moment where time itself seemed stagnant, the President looked clearly down the ladder...and with the push returned back to the present and moved. He walked down, smiling naturally and purely as he embraced the Chairman. His body acted without his commands and the two walked, the Chairman's small talk made the President smile more and more as the Chairman talked about the efforts to ensure a smooth reunification. As the two walked pass the honor guard and received flowers form two little school girls, President Kim smiled and spoke to them, "I pray that you grow strong and wise to help the Korean nation move us forward when your time comes." President Kim smiled and as the two walked backwards and away he turned to Chairman Kim and spoke softly and with candor. "Let us move forward together. As brothers." Chairman Kim's eyes could for a glimpse be seen through his sunglasses, but his mouth spoke for his obscured face with a smile. "Let us move together brother." They held each others hands as and smiled, ready as every Korean was. To move forward.

 

[Jay]

​

President Kim and Chairman Kim stood together for a photo. President Kim's wife would stand on the side of the Chairman, as the two talked about women in the North's society. The Chairman himself finding it peculiar about her questions by none the less indulging her. Talking about the role of women in the North, while the high leadership was still male-centric, the country had largely been run by women. The 25 year military service meant women ran the villages, communities, in charge of security and party loyalty, distributing resources, holding moral, and were the leading entrepreneurs and made up a sizable portion of the work force. In a way, the role of women in the North was both empowered but also disadvantage with the male-dominated party leadership and national organs. After the photos, the three went into a private room while the negotiators finalized the treaty. Portions not agreed upon and those needing revisions were ironed out as the two leaders talked frankly. The President brought the Chairman up to speed with what was happening around the globe, including very confidential things. The three discussed the US/Spanish attempts to form an alliance amongst five countries, the Nordic Council, the recent trip to Argentina, and what was happening in Japan. The three spoke frankly on the outcome of reunification and the Chairman's strong reservations with working with the Americans. He nonetheless, believed as long as he was protected and not a pawn in this, he would have no issues with the foreign policy of the country after he was gone. Only that the Americans did some and exploit the Korean people and their land. President Kim nodded, wondering why this negative impression was implanted in the Chairman, but, did not wish to poke too much. He opted to discuss the situation in Asia, and how the Korean people could benefit the region. The Chairman and President discussed the situation in India and how President Kim's efforts to be a moderation rather than blind basket of state-oppression had surprised the Chairman. The Chairman also saw the changes as a good sign. President Kim thanked him, and hoped that the efforts of the two of them could show the global community to address these changes.

Eventually, after their discussions, the two leaders and First Lady moved to the signing ceremony. President Kim kept his emotions cool as he walked into the hall. The treaty waiting in front of him. He felt a bit of anxiety...what if it went wrong? He couldn't let that derail him as he was guided by the Chairman and sat down. The two Korean leaders...in a wonderful spectacle...ending the war and bringing peaceful reunification. They really had done it. The road forward would not be easy, but surely, together they would overcome it. With the stroke of a pen, President Kim and Chairman Kim signed the agreement, launching the first step towards peace and reunification. The room erupted with clapping, President Kim turned to the Chairman and told him, "I can hear the clapping of the Korean people even from here." The Chairman laughed at those remarks, what a strange man he thought at times.

​

The delegation moved to the banquet hall after the celebrations. Both sides overjoyed. As the signing was ongoing, Korean troops and aid was already crossing the DMZ ahead of the June 25th Ratification. At the banquet, the two men stood as they raised their glasses. With the chairman starting.

Chairman Kim Jong-Il: "To the Korean people, the fallen heroes, and the nation which many have fallen to preserve. May we be forever blessed to move forward in the same spirit as the revolution that was led by my Father, and those around him."

President Kim Dae-Jung: "To the Korean people, and our Republic, for which may stand the test of time and remain a beacon of hope and prosperity for Asia. May we continue to receive gods kindness and embody the characteristics and values he inscribes."

 

[Jay]

​

"Citizens of Pyongyang, our brethren in the North, I am delighted to meet you all here in Pyongyang. As President of the South, I cannot express in words how overwhelming it is to be given this opportunity by Chairman Kim Jong-Il to greet you. I thank the many citizens, young people, students and children of Pyeongyang for giving us such a warm welcome with the mass performances today. You were magnificent. Citizens of Pyeongyang, we are now forging a new era together in this way. Chairman Kim Jong-in and I met together sharing a heartfelt embrace. We two leaders solemnly declared to 80 million Koreans and to the entire world that there would be no more war on the Korean Peninsula and that a new era of peace had opened. Reminding us of the importance of the principle of autonomy for our people, whereby we ourselves determine our own fate. In an all-embracing and groundbreaking manner, we firmly pledged to reconnect Korea’s arteries and to hasten a future of common prosperity and reunification on our own terms. We promised today to achieve reunification at any cost.

My fellow Koreans, Today, Chairman Kim Jong-il and I have agreed on concrete measures to completely eliminate the fear of war and the risk of armed conflicts on the Korean Peninsula. In addition, we affirmed our pledge to turn our beautiful territory from Baekdusan Mountain to Hallasan Mountain into a land where our grandchildren can roam together. To bequeath it to our future generations a republic by which and for which stands by its people, the great Korean race. To remove the suffering of separated families and reunite them as one. I would like to give my unreserved applause to your leader Chairman Kim Jong-Il, who has determined to join me on this bold journey and is resolutely taking steps toward a new future for the Korean people. My fellow Koreans, Deep in my heart, I have recognized what kind of country Chairman Kim and his compatriots in the North want to build. I have keenly realized your wholehearted longing for reconciliation and peace for all Koreans. I have seen the indomitable courage in your determination to stand on your own feet even in the face of hard times, all the while maintaining the pride of the Korean people. Let us build this new Korea together.

Our people are outstanding. Our people are resilient. Our people love peace. And our people must live together. We had lived together for five thousand years but apart for just 50 years. Here, at this place today, I propose we move forward toward the big picture of peace in which the past 50-year-long hostility can be eradicated and we can become one again. Chairman Kim Jong-Il and I will firmly clasp the hands of 80 million Koreans in both the North and South and move forward to create a homeland anew the unified Korean nation. Let us all march together on our journey into a new future. Mansye! Mansye! Mansye! Mansye!" The room erupted in chants as the two leaders formalized the unification. President Kim would hold hands with the Chairman and then raise their hands as they proclaimed the unification of Korea.

 

[Jay]

​

“The free self-determination for all Korea has been, is and always will be the core of our policy on the reunification question. That free self-determination was denied to us in 1905 when Japan began its imperial conquest of Korea, and again in 1945 when the borders of our nation were determined. This has been our wish, that indeed, the Korean people will reclaim their right to self-determination and handle their affairs as compatriots. Every Korean in their hearts feels the suffering of the 06.25 war. Every Korean in their minds remembers the sacrifices and struggles of the war. Every Korean in their limbs and soul feels the lingering pain left. We have never forgotten that we are the Korean people, the sovereign people. Our compatriots who like us aspire for liberty and democracy, are testifying to a deep desire for freedom that has never died. 45 years since armistice, 45 years of dictatorship, 45 years too long. A new chapter in the history of our homeland, whose traditions neither war nor colonialism have been able to destroy is being written. The signing of the reunification treaty showed the whole world that the division of our Korean people is unnatural, that the border and the war-state cannot last for ever. These events have made it clear that the Korean people will not become a chapter of history in someone else’s history, because the Korean people will not tolerate the present situation. The reunification of all Koreans is our moral, rightful, and constitutional duty. The our brothers and sisters have said loudly that are no longer prepared to keep quiet about the repressive system of one- party rule, that they want a future for themselves.

We, ladies and gentlemen, while none of us must ignore or underestimate the risk factor, there is, nevertheless, the prospect of a real transformation. A real opportunity for a peaceful order in Korea of freedom and self-determination and peace for Asia. We have all watched with great hope the signing of the Reunification Treaty, and now we must take this step forward. We have seen how North Korea has been able to adopt and conform to the parliamentary standards of our democracy and we now face the arduous task of bringing our two systems together. Moving one forward, and holding the other steady. In order to develop, together with our brothers a future of prosperity, a dignified life, and tools for success of the Korean people. We are both eager to grasp firmly the new opportunities for a breakthrough in Korean reunification. The time is ripe for addressing this long standing issue to begin lasting reconciliation. We owe this much to our parents and their parents and their parents. I make a personal commitment to the success of this effort. I intend to do everything in my power so that we may advance along this path together. I ask for your cooperation. I ask for your support. I ask that you carry the spirit of our people who have for centuries struggled for our right to be free.


As part of this effort, both sides must deal honestly with the dark chapters of our history. From suppressing the Jeju uprising to the brutal acts and crimes committed in the North. I do not want to conceal, suppress or forget any of the things that happened. Justice is required for healing. Healing is required to move on. Moving on is required to fulfill our promise for a better Korea. If we are to build a better future, we must learn the lessons from the past. Our desire for a unified Korea is not matched by any other desire. Self-determination, human rights and the sovereignty of the Korean are the guiding principles by which we embark on this path.


In our hearts, we all want a Korea which is not dictated by supreme powers but governed by the rule of law. Where all Koreans are held to the same standard. We want a Korea with the right for self-determination in its internal and external affairs. The right of the Korean people to determine their own future at their own pace and at their own values. We must break the vicious circle of hatred and violence, we have been told to uphold for the sake of regional stability. We must break through the injustices we have normalized. We must build a strong nation on our ancestral lands.We must preserve our linguistic and cultural identity and ensure all Koreans across the globe have a place to return. Rather than looking out, we must look in on how we can build a better Korea.

We aim to take every opportunity to contribute to the success of development of the global community and in process the development of the Korean people. Freedom, human rights and self-determination for all people in Asia. One where respect for the integrity and security of every State, the right to choose freely its own political and social system, and adherence to the principles and rules of international law to be the guidelines. This must not remain a mere statement. The right of all peoples to choose their own political and social system must apply to all people including the Korean people.

Freedom to and from, democracy that is inclusive, the welfare of the Korean people, the right to determine our own destiny. We have never had given into despondency, we have never resigned ourselves in this cause, we have never accepted the continued division of Korea. In particular, the events of the last few days and weeks we have seen the need for humanity to address this crisis. It is clear that there is a single Korean people and we both share the same aspirations for a better life. Our brothers and sisters in the North remain, our compatriots, and we certainly have absolutely no wish or right ever to treat them as foreigners.

We must ensure that our brothers and sisters are no longer excluded any longer from participation in political decision-making and from sharing political, social, and economic responsibility to the Korean race. They resent having personal and economic conditions imposed on them by a political system that they never wanted, a system that deprives them of both personal freedom and the basic building blocks for to a better life. The right to choose their own path is the fundamental right for every person, the freedom of expression, freedom of the press, freedom to form associations, freedom to engage in political pluralism with free and equal elections.

The Worker’s Party of Korea and its Politburo can no longer maintain the right to govern on the consent of the people who have loudly declared their wishes for reunification. We must as required by every Korean, fulfill this obligation to absolve them of their anguish for justice and freedom. Neither can we be satisfied with the monopoly of power, wealth, and resources by the elites, and we must open the door to bring our brothers and sisters into the principles of equal justice under the law. We must be prepared to shoulder the burden of carrying our 30 million brothers and sisters in the North to allow them to build a better life. As Koreans, we must help Koreans. We must ensure a better Korea for all Koreans. Whether they are in the North, or forced to leave their homes by occupying powers and sent into Siberia, Central Asia, and Europe.

Ladies and gentlemen of this Assembly, we have a legal obligation as required by the constitution, a moral obligation to our fellow Koreans, we have a political obligation to our constituents, and we have an obligation of humanity to these human beings in suffering and pain. When Korea was split in the 1940s we were poor, when we were at war we were poor. Today we stand triumphant in the successes of our people in making a life for themselves. In providing the basic necessities for every Korean. We are far from over in our struggle for an equal society. But, we are far more stronger than we ever were. We must be ready to shoulder and carry this burden so that just as we had done in the past, our brothers and sisters no different than us may hold on their own two hands and feet, the burden we carry and lift it with us as a single people. I promise to you all today, to every Korean, I will not falter and I will not be dragged, I will stand and lead us forward. As the President of this Republic and for every Korean, I will ensure the process of reunification.

The future of Korea lies ahead of us ladies and gentlemen. We are committed to this path. Every Korean is committed to this path. What we must all aspire to now is turn our commitment into action, turn our hopes and dreams into reality. A united Korea where the demands of our people for justice, humanity, dignity, and a better life are guaranteed as fundamental rights, where public order is maintained, and the rights of our citizens are honored and protected. Let us join together, and bring Korea into the 21st century united and not divided. Let us cast the legacy of colonialism into the sea, and let the chains that held us down wither and rot as they sink to the bottom of the ocean. Let us never hold our heads down. Let every Korean be proud to say I am Korean. Let there be a ringing cry around the world for our people as we end this legacy of oppression and hardship. Let us reunite!”

 

[Jay]

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With the formal process of reunification complete, the Republic of Korea would work to organize deliveries of regular food and nutritional assistance. Across the South NGOs, universities, schools, communities, and overseas Koreans contributed clothes, food, and other unneeded possessions to help distribute to the North. The ROK Army had taken over the mandate of distributing these resources, and across the North the ROK Army and reserves were called up to distribute food aid to in-danger communities and locations. The food aid was direly needed by many communities and could not come at a better time. The public image played a big part in how troops were being sent. Friendliness but also well built and looking troops were selected to show communities a positive image of the South. Candy and other confectionery were handed out to children who for the most part had not seen these foreign luxuries. Soldiers carried their favorite snacks from the South and a number of imported treats. The presence of South Korean troops was nerving for some. Chairman Kim's speech had done a lot in easing the transition, and avoiding the idea of a war. Many were simply worried about their husbands and sons who had been serving their 25 year mandatory conscription service. While the troops did not know what happened to many of them, they did their best to reassure the concerned parents that all was alright.

Food deliveries were happening continuously. The first and main objective was communities near the border to avoid a rush or attempt to cross the demilitarized zone into the South. Many in the South were concerned of a massive influx of people fleeing the famine in the North. This was a main driver in the immediate relief at the border. As the program continued a major consequence was internal migration of people to the border regions where food was being constantly delivered as opposed to across the country. Chinook and Blackhawk helicopters would be deployed to Pyongyang and other major cities in the North to act as intermediary shufflers of C-130 aircrafts that delivered biweekly supplies including MREs and other food supplies. This complex plan however had a number of structural issues. Being able to reach communities further away from the South was not sustainable as the Army prioritized demobilization and securing the border. The 2nd Operational Command was positioning troops to repulse any hostilities initiated by the Japanese, and a large number of troops were tied down in the South. Those being dispatched and reserves being called up were filling the gaps in existing operations to secure WMDs, High Priority Individuals, etc...

Engineers in the Army worked around the hour to restore electricity in neighboring regions. While they could not be integrated into the South completely, Kaesong, Yeonggang, Pyongsang, Pyongwon, Tongchon, Haeju, would be able to be supplied with electricity from the existing North Korean energy grid. The ROK would require fuel imports to meet the new energy requirements, and negotiations were ongoing with Saudi Arabia and other oil producing countries to secure a stable supply of petroleum and oil. The Engineers were deployed to secure water and electrical infrastructure, and map out concerns for future efforts by renovation companies. The integrated energy system was required, but the existing infrastructure would suffice.

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The ROK National Police Agency would take over security and public order in major cities in the North. Tackling crime and ensuring public safety were top of their concerns. Members of the Special Operations Units drawn up mostly from Seoul, but as well as other cities would be deployed to Pyongyang alongside the Korean National Police units who would work to integrate the Ministry of People's Security traffic police into the police force. Being able to deal with the systematic issue of mass government surveillance and oversight was daunting. When the KNP officers entered the labyrinth of the former Security Services headquarters, the data and ongoing surveillance was shocking. They were able to monitor large parts of the country just from this command center. How they could even use this technology without breaching the Korean Legal System flew over their mind as they were just amazed in the mass surveillance and spying the State Security Services could accomplish.

The SOU units would be dispatched to protect important buildings and facilities. The airports, former party headquarters buildings, detention centers, labor camps, etc... The Government feared public anger against the Worker's Party would lead to some acts of arson against these facilities. The Police were given orders to review quickly the files on crimes committed in the North. The special task force was working to remove and allow political prisoners their freedom and ensuring violent criminals were humanely transferred to prions in the South. With over 200,000 cases of political prisoners, it would take some time. The best the Government could do was immediately putting an end to the forced labor camps and torture facilities. Sending relief and assistance to these prisoners and ending the cruel treatment they faced.

The ROK Police deployment was strategic, to avoid the images of an invasion and ensure a dignified process for the reunification of the Peninsula. The Police would be deployed across major cities, and as their fellow Koreans began easing into a life where their restrictions were lifted, the Police had to play a crucial role in peacemaking and integration. Moving the society required a physiological transformation. The Army had been tasked with the major efforts to demobilize and bring the security situation to a level of stability, while the Police would have to keep the peace with local police support. Destroying the nepotism and corruption in the North was a major challenge, and within the security services of the North, rampant abuse needed to be investigated and weeded out.

The ROK would find itself both welcomed and supported, locals worked closely with the ROK Army and police. Being fed intelligence on certain individuals and those deemed possibly to be apart of organized crime, runaway members of the party's security apparatus, etc...allowed the ROK to monitor and begin formal investigations into over 254 individuals. The human intelligence was mounting, and the police force was required to separate misleading information from credible information action could be taken from. The ongoing efforts were rather smooth compared to what the policymakers anticipated. The starvation and complete breakdown of society proved a useful background for the South to enter and provide aid and assistance. In turn, their arrival was far more welcomed than in other conditions. The Chairman's speech further ensured an orderly transition. Far more for his benefit, the South would've seized and held his wealth and arrested him otherwise. The political transition was also orderly, but, the daunting task of democratizing the North laid ahead of the South.

Meeting of Governors and Regional Leadership
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Across the North, Civil Servants were being brought from the South to assist in the transition. Their main objectives were working with local communities to empower them to rule their communities and integrate them into the political system of the Republic of Korea. While a number of Worker Party Officials were removed and some arrested for their crimes, the remainder that stayed proved useful allies. The replacement Governors of the Five Northern Provinces made sure to not dominate the discourse and conversation amongst their counterparts in the North. The impulse was difficult for many. However, to integrate the two communities meant that it had to be bottom-up, not top-down. Removing the influence of the former regime was crucial. The Korean Government was spending a large portion of the unification budget on breaking down the coercive state apparatus and investigating claims of abuse. While a number of top party officials were protected from persecution, the ROK Ministry of Justice was going full speed ahead with investigations into a number of mid-to high level party and army officials.

The process was a delicate balancing act, and ensuring the transition was not obstructed by rival factions or the army was paramount. The plan for a national election for Parliament was being drafted for August, but, many policymakers felt it was ambitious. The infrastructure was nominally present as North Koreans voted every four to five years. Primarily they were required to vote, but, turning this into a mindset of free and fair elections required special education for people at the age of suffrage. The meeting of officials was still a positive step and bringing about the conditions to allow the fulfillment of a full Korean election.

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