Crisis Management for Emergency in North Korea

Abstract

Though it is neither desirable nor likely that an emergency will materialize in North Korea in the near future, it is necessary to be prepared for such an abrupt incidence. This paper examines necessary measures to take in the case of a North Korean collapse.

The policy goal of a potential collapse stage is to control disorder on the Korean peninsula while expanding South Korea's influence in North Korea, eventually leading the situation to a well-managed unification of Korea. Therefore, announcing various measures, such as plans for food aid and basic necessities, will lessen the anticipated massive panic in the early stages. Aid for overseas refugees and stabilization measures for the domestic economy must also be continued.

The policy goal of the integration stage is a well-managed unification led by South Korea and stabilization of the Korean peninsula. The priority task in this stage is to pursue reconstruction and transition of the North Korean economy while restraining North Koreans from moving to the South. An emergency in North Korea is a challenge for the South, but at the same time, it is an opportunity for unification. Whether the crisis will lead to well-managed unification or to more chaos mainly depends on how South Korea decides to manage the crisis.

Keywords: North Korea, Collapse, Emergency Management

JEL Classification: P29