π°π΅ In Defense of North Korea π°π΅
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
The DPRK is perhaps the most reviled nation in the world. In the West it is seen as an aggressor state, deserving of total destruction for its alleged βcrimes.β Is this really the case, and if not, why do we think it is?
π§΅ A Thread: π§΅
[1/25]
To begin, people need to be educated on the history of Korea, and the events leading up to the North Korean split along the 38th parallel.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
For centuries, the area known today as Korea was a tributary state of China, which dominated East Asia for nearly a 1000 years.
[2/25] pic.twitter.com/BV7lih4O83
Korea was a loyal state of China, adopting Chinese traditions exceptionally well. As China weakened, Korea didnβt.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
As the Western powers began funneling into Asia and establishing colonies, China continuously lost power, until they could no longer hold onto their states.
[3/25]
However, one state remained unscathed during these conflicts: Korea. Korea was extremely isolationist and had developed a much stronger system of governance than its predecessor.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
In 1895, Korea became a sovereign state, and was no longer a vassal of China.
[4/25]
The new nation of Korea made attempts to modernize during this period, reforming its military and governance.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
This peace would not last however – Korea quickly became surrounded by enemies on its borders. And one enemy in particular would soon take conquest: Japan.
[5/25]
All the while, Japan had been industrializing and expanding their military power since the arrival of the United States.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
Japan had Korea and much of East Asia in its targets, and had already decided to invade Korea. Japan viewed Korea as lesser and subhuman.
[6/25]
The Japanese ruled Korea from 1910 to 1945 after their victory against the Russians. Japan utilized the colony of Korea for resources, infrastructure, industry, and production.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
The Japanese were ruthless during this period, banning Korean language, culture, and history.
[7/25]
Despite this, the colonization did in turn have some positive effects. After the defeat of the Japanese in 1945, Korea was left with a large industrial infrastructure.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
This, in turn with their abundance of mineral resources allowed for them to kick start their economy.
[8/25]
The remaining Japanese were driven out in 1945 by the Korean resistance, partially lead by Kim Il-Sung, and aided by the USSR.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
As the US marched into Korea from the south, the USSR was marching in from the North. This effectively began the βsplitβ we know of today.
[9/25] pic.twitter.com/EZXdnHyqRh
After Japanβs surrender, the US attempted to swallow all of Japanβs former colonies, including Korea.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
The USSR and Kim-Il Sungβs guerrilla state disrupted those plans. Koreans in the North soon adopted the USSRβs policies.
[10/25]
Contrary to popular belief, it was the Americans who erected the βdividing lineβ of Korea, to separate the American and Soviet zones.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
The US enacted a military occupation in the South and attempted to set up a puppet state to head the government.
[11/25]
The first South Korean government was vehemently opposed by locals, who called for the reunification and end to military occupation.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
This occupation was effectively the same as the Japanese, with the US banning resistance against the US and jailing dissent.
[12/25]
For nearly 4 decades after 1945, South Korea was basically run by the same Japanese officers fought off by Kim Il-Sung.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
The DPRK was founded on September 9, 1948. This came three weeks after the Republic of Korea was founded.
[13/25]
The first president of South Korea was Syngman Rhee, a fiercely anti-communist who had been hand picked by the US. He had spent much of his life in America and had even married an American wife.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
[14/25] pic.twitter.com/M7AokkxnwE
Until around the 1980s, the North Korean economy was much stronger than that of its counterpart. This made North Korea a much more desirable nation than the South, stoking fear in Western collaborators.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
NKβs success could serve to discredit the pro-capitalist stance.
[15/25] pic.twitter.com/fcKGlXOjCH
Industry in the North grew 25% per annum for 10 years after the Korean War. Pyongyang was one of the best cities in Asia at the time, while South Korea continued to lag behind.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
Ultimately, the decline of NKβs economy began with the fall of the socialist bloc.
[16/25] pic.twitter.com/AUhM6vf5Jb
Due to harsh sanctions and stagnation, the USSR, which was NKβs largest ally, fell. This meant China would no longer have to compete for NKβs support, sending them less money.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
In turn, hardships fell on North Korea, causing famines and much upset.
[17/25] pic.twitter.com/FtlXqUmEcw
To counter this, NK enacted the βJucheβ policy, which stresses self reliance citizen cooperation.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
NK were made aware that relying on aid made them vulnerable, meaning they would need to become completely self reliant.
[18/25] pic.twitter.com/4aB3erNvBM
Under Juche, the DPRK began plans to expand agriculture and food production, as well as becoming energy independent. They opened Nuclear power plants, hydro-electric dams, and worked hard to automate agriculture.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
This has been the ongoing ideology since itβs creation.
[19/25] pic.twitter.com/2phouZmAjR
Under Marshal Kim Jong-Un, North Korea opened theme parks, expanded education, and put a heavy emphasis on leisure.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
North Korea emphasizes strong national sovereignty and unwavering support for the party and its leader.
[20/25] pic.twitter.com/8t3lmCoGWt
North Korea has often been described as a national security threat and enemy of the world, but with all being said, is this truly the case?
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
North Korea has been sanctioned, disavowed, and lambasted for decades, simply for attempting to strengthen its own interests.
[21/25]
US leaders and officials have called for the βendβ of North Korea, a nation that that has existed peacefully for 60+ years. Is North Korea really the aggressor?
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
NK faces subversive foreign influence to previously unseen levels, making them understandably paranoid.
[22/25] pic.twitter.com/che57ig8V5
And while North Korean βdefectorsβ like Yeonmi Park will demonize millions of people for being loyal to their country, NKβs main goal is for reunification.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
And while they are taught that the leaders are corrupt, N. Koreans see S. Koreans as their brothers & sisters.
[23/25] pic.twitter.com/XqXzFeG79O
North Korea is not the great evil we see them as in the West. This is the product of 70 years of propaganda against a small nation that began by following the needs of its people.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
Logically, a nation canβt survive three dynasties under the conditions the West describes.
[24/25] pic.twitter.com/vx92VWFMih
North Korea looks out for its citizens; providing free food, housing, and education to its people.
— π½ππΌππΏπ πππππππ (@brxndtwiggins) June 7, 2023
Juche is a revolutionary ideology that has helped mediate severe crisis that would ultimately cripple any other nation.
Ultimately, just like any other nation, the Democratic⦠pic.twitter.com/bfahpn6FN6
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