HISTORY

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) was established on September 9, 1948, in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, following the end of Japanese colonial rule in 1945. The division of Korea along the 38th parallel occurred as a result of post-World War II agreements between the Allied powers, with the Soviet Union overseeing the north and the United States managing the south.

Kim Il Sung, a prominent figure in the anti-Japanese resistance, became the first leader of the DPRK. Under his leadership, the country adopted the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-
reliance and independence in political, economic, and military matters. This became the guiding principle of the nation and remains central to its governance today.

The Korean War (1950–1953) was a pivotal moment in the DPRK’s history. The conflict, which began with military actions across the 38th parallel, resulted in massive destruction across the peninsula. The war  ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty, leaving the DPRK and the Republic of Korea (ROK) technically still at war. The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) remains a heavily fortified border between the two nations.

Following the war, the DPRK focused on rebuilding its infrastructure and economy, initially benefiting from support from the Soviet Union and China. By the 1960s, the DPRK had developed a centralized economy with a focus on heavy industry and military strength. At this time it was also the more powerful economically of the two Korea’s.

From 1970 Kim Jong Il began to receive more prominence and by 1980 he was being presented as being the potential next leader of the country, as well as taking on many day to day tasks. Leadership transitioned to Kim Jong Il in 1994 following the death of President Kim Il Sung. It was during this period that the Military-First ideology was introduced, as well as the country becoming a nuclear state . Following his death in
2011 the leadership passed to his second son Kim Jong-Un who had only been introduced to the country a year prior.

Today, the DPRK continues to navigate its unique path, balancing its historical principles with the evolving geopolitical landscape.

Understanding this history provides insight into the development of the nation and its current policies.