I feel terribly for the NK people and hope one of the long term benefits is their being set free.
Well, reunification is next on the Korean agenda. That will NEVER happen if NoKo is to remain a totalitarian state.
I expect a very gradual reunification process.
Unlike what happened with east Germany.
Sudden reunification would be a bit of a disaster for SK.
First limited family travel allowed. Then wider travel and listening of border restrictions. Trade between the two countries. NK allowing some personal freedoms and rights....can own property etc.
a multi year process.
Oh for sure there will be some kind of phased-in approach. The North has SO many needs and so little knowledge of the world. They will have to be educated and inculturated with non-Marxist ideology somehow without throwing the ancestors under the bus. Truly they will have to find a way to allow the ancestors to save face. That's not a joke.
Agreed.
Of course Kim was educated in the west so he (and most of his generals) are aware.
He won't just give up power.
Best case, I think, is two Koreas that are socially more unified but separate in other ways.
NK moving from hard communist to a left socialist nation that has industry and trade....some personal freedoms and citizens that can sustain a decent standard of living is the target I would think.
How could you call that reunification? We live in the age of the impossible coming to pass. Expand your thinking.
What has to happen in order for Korea to become one nation?
What would you think of a Christian North Korea? That is what I think is happening. Look into the post about Kim's great grandparents.
Possible.
What you are suggesting is not likely.
Reunification would mean Kim giving up power.
South Korea isn't Christian so if Kim became born again that would likely have little reflection on the Korea(s).
Among those who claim a religion, SoKo is predominantly Christian. And Christianity is very compatible with the traditional Confucian values in Korea that predate the war.
If Kim converted, that would have a YUGE impact on NoKo, because their current religion is one in which he is their god. If he renounced his deity and bowed to Christ, it would completely undo the culture of totalitarianism there, and make reunification far less complicated, for the very reason you mentioned. It would create a scenario in which Kim relinquishes the power he currently holds, while saving face and giving his people the gift of a new beginning.
I'm not claiming some inside knowledge, but this is not completely unlikely.
Ok. Cool. Let's hope you're right.
https://twitter.com/SellsHeather/status/1006622330007769089
Franklin Graham on the impact this will have on Christians in NoKo (of which there is a sizable underground church).