[Billie Johnson]

How has Kim Jong Un forged his own path for the Kim dynasty? How worried should we be about North Korea?

First and foremost, Kim is the first North Korea leader to step foot in South Korea since the end of the war. Also, Kim meeting with President Trump was huge on a global scale as many agrued that this legitimized Kim garnering him more power. I think this shows that he is forging his own path by showing some signs as wanting to open up North Korea for business. He is at least flirting with the idea and now that the North Korean economy is suffering we may see even more of this in addition to the ramped up threats. There seems to be this push and pull between following the old way of running the country and leading in a new era. Inviting Dennis Rodman to the county, stepping foot into South Korea, meetings with US leaders, summit with President Trump, and the impromptu meeting with Trump at the DMZ were opportunities for Kim to gain favor globally. On one hand it looks as though Kim wants to dabble in politics as a regular politician and on the other there is something holding him back.

I think we should be worried about North Korea because as the imposed sanctions continue to squeeze the economy, Kim Jong Un could become more and more deserpate which could lead to some frightening circumstances. As a nuclear power this is very much a concern for the west and contries within the region. The ties between China, Russia, and North Korea are and should be a concern because of the trade war with China and sanctions that have been imposed on Russia as well.  This is an incredibly volatile time, but I would argue that it so because the US is not doing business as usual anymore.  

 

[Billie Johnson]

Hi all!  I found it interesting that during the Sunshine Policy there were these fruitful relationships that appeared to be prospering. Then I saw this in the news last week and have been watching the developments unfold. Here is the link: 

North Korean leader orders South's hotels at resort destroyed

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-50152253

[Billie Johnson]

How did Kim Jong Il ensure regime survival? How did South Korea’s Sunshine Policy change international relations?

It was Kim Jong Il's move towards ensuring that he aligned himself with the military and its leaders that ensured his dynastic/regime rule. He needed the backing of people who were loyal and disciplined and this is what he drew him towards the military and away from the old guard that was fraught with corruption and and defection. His military-first policy provided a sense of security that eclipsed politics, he became even more powerful.

The Sunshine Policy opened talks and lines of communication not only between North and South Korea but also with the United States along with other countries. There was more economic investment into the North and humanitarian aid distributed. This was promising time that appeared to make way for more investment and opportunities for North Korea to perhaps join the South in a move towards democratization. It appeared to me that perhaps the south wanted North Korea to have a taste of democracy and see the possibilities it would afford itself if North Korea opened itself to the rest of the world. There was also mention of the resorts build in North Korea by Hyundai, are these the same resorts that Kim Jung Un has recently threatened to destroy? 

[Billie Johnson]

How did Kim Il Sung establish a communist monarchy? How did the Korean War and Cold War shape the two Koreas through 1994?

Kim Il Sung established a communist monarchy because he was chosen to rule the people of North Korea, who were ruled under Confuscianism and a certain order and power structure, found this way of life familiar. Kim Il Sung followed the leadership of Stalin. Sung was a man of the people. The people worshipped him and they were rewarded in kind. As the Soviets occupied North Korea and the Americans occupied South Korea there was the clear divide in social structure and a differing system of beliefs over time. Additionally, Sung knew the fates of Mao in China and Stalin's legacies being diminished in their passing. He knew appointing his son into a position of power would not tarnish his legacy.

The Korean War and Cold War shaped the two Koreas because due to the conflicts and political differences families have been separated. Thousands of families were separated because of the border (38th parallel) that separates the North and the South on the peninsula. The Korean War established differing ideologies, Communism in the North with the South moving towards Capitalism. Also, during the Cold War there were hopes of unifying the peninsula but that still has not happened to this day.

[Billie Johnson]

As I watched this video, it became clear to me how much I do not know and highlighted some of the more surface level details that I am aware of. I do not know much at all about the North Korea outside of the issues that are brought up with the missle launches and Trump trying to entice Kim Jong-un with the potential riches of a free and more open North Korea. However, I was shocked at how much of an economic powerhouse South Korea is...especially when you touched on the goods exported a lighbulb went off. I look forward to learning more about the history, geography, cultural nuances that differentiate or tie both the north and south. I am intrigued and look forward to learning more.

[Billie Johnson]

Hello! My name is Billie Johnson and I currently teach 6th grade History and ELA. I like to integrate current events with what we are learning in class as a way to extend learning in the classroom, so even though it may not be part of the curriculum I find a way to introduce it. I want my students to be curious about the world around them so they become aware that we are but one piece of a global puzzle. As I learn, I share my experiences with my students. This strengthens and builds relationships. I am excited for this learning opportunity and cannot wait to share with my students. Thank you!

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