Disillusioned donors

Article Abstract:

Japanese Koreans are discarding their allegiances to North Korea. The situation is difficult for the North Korean government, which has relied on Japanese Koreans for resources, including investment. Mindan, the pro-South Korean association in Japan, says that membership of pro-North Korean group Chongryun is down to half its 1990 total of 224,000, and that Mindan membership has increased by 25,000 since 1988. Younger Japanese Koreans are better informed about conditions in North Korea, and they are disillusioned by reports of famine and economic mismanagement under leader Kim Jong Il.

International Affairs, Nationalism, Japan, International relations, Japanese foreign relations, North Korean foreign relations, Koreans in Japan

---

Empty driver's seat: defector questions leader's abilities, control

Article Abstract:

A millitary officer who defected from N Korea says the country's top generals will not let Kim Jong Il take full control, and hints at a military build-up. Kim, who took over leadership when his father died in July 1994, is a full marshal and chair of the party's military affairs commission, but has not taken supreme leadership as state president or as general secretary of the Workers' Party. Food shortages and a faltering economy have many citizens and soldiers eager for a war, and the army is building new weapons.

Political aspects, Military government, Defectors

---

Welcome to reality

Article Abstract:

The process of Korean unification would result in huge social costs for North Koreans. The two countries have vastly different social systems and their peoples live contrasting lifestyles. North Koreans have been living under a totalitarian regime for almost 50 years and have never experienced the freedom most South Koreans enjoy. As such, experts are predicting widespread psychological displacement among North Koreans in the event of reunification.

Social aspects, Korean reunification question (1945- )

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: A new perspective. A synthesis of ancient forms and modern technology. Civic pride
• Abstracts: Well blow me down. Duel without purpose(prime minister question time)(Britain)
• Abstracts: Where money is not enough: Labour's health and education policies. Not yet airborne
• Abstracts: Energy glut. Some new year's resolutions on Europe's tough issues. Chaos overcome
• Abstracts: China's scrip-starved investors. Common interests: Yeltsin visit cements Russian ties with China. Sleeping giant: China makes a late entry as exporter of workers

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.