North Korea's Terrorism Against South Korea: An Historical Analysis of Their Political Background and its Characteristics

North Korea, also known as the People's Republic of Korea, is the least understood nation in the world in terms of socio-political agenda, economic development, military and nuclear capabilities, and so on. In recent years, tensions between the so-called International Community and North Korea have become more pronounced due to North Korea's refusal to allow international (or UN) inspections of nuclear facilities. The Clinton administration is seriously considering “economic sanctions” against North Korea, if North Korea does not meet the Geneva Accord. The western world contends that if North Korea develops nuclear offensive weapons systems, while the United States and other “advanced” nations of the world are halting the development of nuclear missile defense systems, the “balance of power” would change, influencing the “Strategic Defense Initiative” and likely cause another form of “cold war.” Against that background, this paper endeavors to explore one aspect of North Korea's terrorism against South Korea and other neighboring nations. Internal organization as well as other characteristics of terroristic agenda are exposed. The paper traces (1) trends of North Korea's terrorism; (2) the strategic background of North Korean terrorism; and (3) characteristics of North Korea's state-sponsored terrorism. Finally, a brief conclusion as well as extensive information sources are provided for future research on North Korea's terrorism.