A major new history of North and South Korea, from the late nineteenth century to the present day   Korea has a long, riveting history—it is also a divided nation. South Korea is a vibrant democracy, the tenth largest economy, and is home to a world-renowned culture. North Korea is ruled by the most authoritarian regime in the world, a poor country in a rich region, and is best known for the cult of personality surrounding the ruling Kim family. But both Koreas share a unique common history.   Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo draw on decades of research to explore the history of modern Korea, from the late nineteenth century, Japanese occupation, and Cold War division to the present day. A small country caught amongst the world’s largest powers—including China, Japan, Russia, and the United States—Korea’s fate has been closely connected to its geography and the strength of its leadership and society. This comprehensive history sheds light on the evolving identities of the two Koreas, explaining the sharp differences between North and South, and prospects for unification. Korean History Podcast East Asian Studies Podcast Modern Korean history North and South Korea history Victor Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo book History of Korea from 19th century Korean division and the Cold War Japanese occupation of Korea North Korea’s authoritarian regime South Korea’s democracy and economy Kim family and North Korean politics Korean unification prospects Korea’s role in global geopolitics History of the Korean Peninsula Korean identity and cultural evolution Korea-China-Japan relations Korean War and Cold War history Korean leadership and society Geography and politics of Korea Historical differences between North and South Korea Korean culture and global influence US-Korea relations in history Russian and Chinese influence on Korea Korean Peninsula history and future