Asia

North Korea's History Is Far More Complex Than 25 Years Of Aggression

North Korea insists it's ready for war. History shows why the Kim regime believes aggression and nukes are necessary.

North Korea's History Is Far More Complex Than 25 Years Of Aggression
Korean Central News Agency
Article by Chance Seales
SMS
August 11, 2017

Although it's easy to focus on the last quarter-century of North Korean aggression — ushered in by all three Kim rulers — where we are today is very much a result of 70-plus years of historical dominoes.

North Korea in its current form traces its roots back to the end of World War II when the Korean Peninsula was split in two: The Soviet Union controlled the north, and the U.S. controlled the south.

Over the decades, several key moments convinced Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il and Kim Jong-un a nuclear North Korea was their best chance to survive.

The North Korean Standoff Is (And Isn't) Like The Cuban Missile Crisis

The North Korean Standoff Is (And Isn't) Like The Cuban Missile Crisis

As North Korea threatens the U.S., some say certain aspects mirror the 1962 Cuban missile crisis.

LEARN MORE

Get a deeper understanding of the stories that matter with Newsy's "The Why" — weekdays 7-9 p.m. ET.