Why Have Attempts to Settle Inter-Korean Conflict Failed?: Lessons for Peace Building in the Korean Peninsula

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the reasons why the conflict between North and South Korea has been unsolved, focusing on the incompatibility of ideological identity, and the incompatibility of core interests, especially interests in terms of military security. First, this study examines historical causes of ideological and military confrontation between North and South Korea. Second, four cases in which Seoul and Pyongyang tried to settle the conflict between them will be studied. They are: ⑴ the armistice agreement of July 1953, ⑵ the Joint Communiqu´e of July 1972, ⑶ the conclusion of the Basic Agreement in December 1991, and ⑷ the Joint Declaration of June 2000. In each case, this paper analyzes how two Koreas dealt the problem of ideological and interest incompatibility, and what the limitation in such efforts were. Finally, based on the case analysis, this paper will discuss plausible way to settle inter- Korea conflict and build peace system in the Korean peninsula.