The animosity between South Korea and North Korea can be traced back to the division of the Korean Peninsula after World War II. In 1945, the Soviet Union occupied the north and the United States occupied the south, with the 38th parallel serving as the dividing line. In 1948, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established with the support of the Soviet Union, while the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was established with the support of the United States.
In 1950, North Korea invaded South Korea, which led to the Korean War. The war ended in 1953 with a ceasefire agreement, but no peace treaty was signed. As a result, the two Koreas remain technically at war.
The differences in political ideologies and economic systems have also contributed to the hostility between the two Koreas. North Korea has a communist government and a centrally planned economy, while South Korea has a democratic government and a market economy.
North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missiles has also heightened tensions with South Korea and the international community. The North’s aggressive rhetoric and occasional military provocations, such as missile tests and naval incursions, have further strained relations with the South.
The division of families and the issue of Korean reunification also contribute to the tension. Many families were separated by the division of the peninsula and have not been able to see each other for decades. The reunification of Korea remains a highly emotional and politically sensitive issue for both sides.
Overall, the history of division, political and economic differences, military threats, and the issue of reunification all contribute to the hostility between South Korea and North Korea.