North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago | NK News
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North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago

Foreign influence, especially from South Korea, is a far more dangerous threat than sanctions or COVID-19
John Lee August 3, 2021
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North Korea lost the war of ideas a long time ago
Image: Eric Lafforgue | A North Korean propaganda poster depicts citizens in front of the Juche tower in Pyongyang (May 20, 2009)

The following article is an opinion piece by South Korea-based writer John Lee. Views expressed in opinion articles are exclusively the author’s own and do not represent those of NK News.

Although Koreans on both sides of the DMZ share a common ancestry, language and culture, the Korean Peninsula has also been divided for over 75 years. During that time, ideological differences have caused South and North Korea to diverge in ways that were not likely to have been forecasted when the peninsula was first divided.

Over time, as South Korea has become more democratic and a wealthy market-driven

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About the Author

John Lee

John Lee

John Lee is the Managing Editor of Korea Pro, based in Seoul, where he leads daily executive briefings, in-depth analyses and high-level events for business leaders, diplomats and policy professionals. Since joining Korea Pro in 2022, he has expanded the platform’s coverage of South Korea’s economy, trade and foreign policy and moderates its flagship Korea Business Forum and Seoul Circuit series. Before taking the helm at Korea Pro, John contributed to NK News and Korea Pro as a writer focused on South Korean foreign policy and U.S.-ROK relations. His work blends on-the-ground reporting with data-driven analysis of South Korea’s political economy, economic security and its evolving role in global affairs.

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