Rudelle Dhawan
The shortlisted essay for the UWCSEA-APP Peace Essay Competition

Introduction

A once unified nation occupied by Japan split into two in 1945, from then onwards, both countries were identified and represented as separate nations with minimal dialogue and interactions with one another (Mark 104). It is imperative to ensure that peace is restored between both nations, primarily to benefit the citizens of both countries. In the past, the two nations have had a rough and long history, for instance during WWII, when the North and South were divided by The Soviet Union and The USA respectively (Sarah, 2018). Consequently, the two countries and their people lived completely opposite lives (John 107), the South was like a ball of sunshine, while the North was like a stormy evening. Even though North and South Korea have tried to reconcile and have peaceful exchanges, the nations remain hostile with each other. Therefore one thinks that both governments should have transparent and more frequent dialogues, establish and implement a policy that helps to stabilise peace and spread more awareness about this topic to help the nations connect more, aiming to make a truce between these two countries.

Government Summits

One solution is for both the Korean governments to meet more frequently. This has proven to be effective in the past, like the 2018 South Korea summit when Donald Trump organized a meeting with both Kim Jong Un and Moon Jae-In; former president of the United States and the current presidents of the DPRK (Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, North Korea) and South Korea, (Heo et al. 59). Such events have proven to be effective in making strides towards creating a peaceful and stable relationship between both countries. This can take part biannually, consisting of only both governments, Kim and Moon, for a more intimate discussion without any external political pressures and involvement. To ensure that there will be no conflict and substantial security in this conference, the UNC Security Battalion-Joint Security Area Battalion, A UN force that is currently protecting the DMZ, (Sean); can secure the area as a neutral party, by not interfering with the discussion and meet. During the engagement, both governments can openly discuss the current issues in their nation, increasing trade, the potential scope for collaboration and support, and how they can be more open

to being represented as one whole nation globally. Additionally, the nations can augment support by 2

 including other delegations in this cooperative dialogue annually. If countries who are deeply involved in this matter like Russia and the USA would be willing to create a conference, then it can be more impactful as they have prior knowledge and are well informed about the root cause. During this discussion, other delegations can suggest peaceful solutions and perhaps provide resources to improve the connection between both nations. This is significant as it is the first step for both governors to talk more about coming closer to one nation and constructing lasting peace with each other.

Sunshine Policy 2.0

Another solution can be the re-creation of The Reconciliation and Cooperation Policy, commonly known as The Sunshine Policy. This policy helped to stabilise the relationship between both nations in the 2000s and helped to establish transparent non-violent regulations for both countries, (Keun-Sik 104). If modifications and additions are constructed it can prove to be beneficial once again. The main concepts of the sunshine policy can be narrowed down to “peace, reconciliation and cooperation” (Keun-Sik 99). Since the previous sunshine policy was mainly from the South of Korea, this time the UN and other nations can encourage the DPRK to initiate it, having more equality, choice and increased interest in these regulations. Some additions can include: no provoked violence from both parties, both parties are to aim for and maintain peace if they expect shared resources, et cetera. Both governments will have to establish that they are willing to abide by these regulations before it is implemented. If both parties are in agreement and encouraged correctly, the signing of this resolution can lead to a potential signing of a peace treaty, as this is a less abiding replica of a peace treaty.

Increased awareness

Finally, it is crucial that the community and society of both nations have enough awareness and insight on this ongoing conflict. Sometimes lack of awareness can lead to uncertainty about an issue for a country and its people. If both governments can help to support each other and share more

about this conflict, then citizens from both countries can understand this issue in-depth. This can happen by both governments collaborating and coming to a compromise, where for example one of South Korea’s ideas can get promoted in the DPRK, vice versa. Another option can be that the governments can broadcast conflict information on various news channels, so citizens can comprehend more about the subject. When citizens understand well about an issue they can help to be a part of a peaceful solution. Some nationals can also contribute by spreading information on assorted media sources, for example, articles, social media, et cetera. This can also include more ideas to create and maintain peace, from a citizen's point of view. Other nations can also share information about this topic in their respective countries and perhaps some citizens there can get influenced and promote peace for the two nations as well. Both nations will need the support of their citizens as they are the ones who are impacted by this conflict the most, therefore this is a sound and useful solution that lets the voice of the citizens be heard.

Conclusion

In the future, if governments can meet more often, sign policies to reduce violence and share useful information about this topic with their nation; they can understand and learn more about the causes and consequences, and come to a consensus on this discord. These solutions are long-lasting and can help lead to the creation of more diplomatic, creative and thorough solutions to resolve this war and in addition to ensuring growth and increased connections for both nations.

Works Cited

Heo, Uk, and Seongyi Yun. "South Korea in 2018: Summit meetings for the denuclearization of North Korea." Asian Survey 59.1 (2019): 54-62.

Feffer, John. North Korea/South Korea: US Policy at a Time of Crisis. Seven Stories Press, 2003.
Kim, Keun-Sik. "Inter-Korean relations and the future of the Sunshine Policy." The Journal of East Asian

Affairs 16.1 (2002): 98-119.
Peterson, Mark. Brief history: Brief history of Korea. Infobase Publishing, 2009.
Pruitt, Sarah. "Why Are North and South Korea Divided." History. com, A&E Television Networks 9 (2018). Morrow, Sean. "Bridges at Panmunjom: The former commander of the United Nations Command

Security Battalion-Joint Security Area in Korea's DMZ reflects on the past and present at" the world's loneliest outpost."." The Wilson Quarterly 44.3 (2020): NA-NA.

 

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The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect those of the Asia Research Institute, National University of Singapore.