Short introduction by Dr. Sangsoo Lee, Head of ISDP’s Korea Center, after which Dr. Ra Jong-Yil will present the main issues that are plaguing Korea today. Starting from their shared past, from the Japanese occupation to the Korean War until today, Dr. Ra will present the story and unique reality that is the yet-ongoing Korean conflict.

In his discussion about the vagaries of both sides of the Peninsula, Dr. Ra will delve into the pain brought by the separation, the aspiration for unification throughout the second half of the last century, and the failures. Dr. Ra will briefly compare the separation of Germany, with the Korean one and then move on to present the pragmatic aspects related to unification, ranging from political, economic, and military power to international political standing and soft power. Lastly, Dr. Ra will elucidate the heterogeneities that have developed between the two Koreas since their division, the progress and rapid modernization that has characterized South Korea’s modern history, to the economic stagnation that has plagued the North.

Following his presentation, the floor will be opened up for a Q&A session.

Program

15:00–15:10 Welcome & Introductory Remarks

15:10–16:30 Lecture – The Problems of the Korean Peninsula, moderated by Gabriel Johnson

16:30–17:00 Q&A Session

17:00 – Concluding remarks