The division of the Korean Peninsula, the creation of two Korean states, and ultimately, the Korean War (1950-53) contributed to the creation of strong antagonism between the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. For decades, the two countries competed for the right to represent the single Korean nation. The idea of reconciliation emerged in the 1970s, but the historic inter-Korean summit took place only in 2000. The postponement of the dialogue resulted from the growing concern of the DPRK authorities about the fall of the regime - especially in the face of the collapse of the USSR and the strengthening of South Korea's economic position.
Inter-Korean relations are characterized by two poles: the idea of unification (now increasingly understood as close cooperation with a special status) and the fear of the DPRK authorities about the collapse of the regime and the absorption of North Korea by South Korea. This affects the cyclical nature of the development of bilateral relations: from dialogue to confrontation and escalation of tension, only to return to talks. Inter-Korean relations are influenced not only by the internal situation in each country, but also by changes in the international arena.
In recent years, thanks to President Moon Jae-in's peaceful policy and the summit with the participation of Chairman Kim Jong-un and President Donald Trump, it seemed that building lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula was possible. However, the dialogue broke down, and the new South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol declared that peace could only be maintained through force. The year 2024 began with the DPRK leader's declaration that the formula of dialogue, as well as the idea of unification itself, has been exhausted. What does this mean for inter-Korean relations - and what is the risk of a renewed Korean War?