Korea

A New History of South and North

By: Victor Cha, Ramon Pacheco Pardo

Narrated by: Julian Elfer

Length: 8 hrs and 32 mins

Publisher's summary

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.

©2023 Victor D. Cha and Ramon Pacheco Pardo (P)2023 Tantor

Thoughtful history, co-written which adds value

I studied East Asia in college, but my focus was Japan and China. Still, I have some knowledge of Korean history, have periodically visited starting in 1975, and a close Korean friend was involved in the Six Party talks from the start.

This is an excellent history, squeezing a lot into a small package, with telling anecdotes from the authors’ personal experience. I didn’t find any particular biases, except that they avoid the issue of what happens to the North’s weapons in the event of reunification. That is something national security types in Japan, China and Russia worry about, and since I know some of the principals I know it comes up in the circles in which they move.

I don’t follow popular culture, and was fascinated by their discussion. I now have a deeper knowledge of how the North’s politics developed. Their treatment of economic issues is fine and approachable by non-specialists (I’m an economist). I learned even there, on the ebb and flow of informal markets in the North.

In summary, kudos!

An excellent read, well worth the time and I would highly recommend this book

One of the best books I’ve read in many years on the last 70 years of North and South Korea. Well written with great narration!

Exceptionally good

Outstanding, focusing on recent history of the Koreas, last century or so—all very relevant to the current situation. I have listened to many histories of Korea since moving there, and this is the best for understanding the current division of the peninsula and these two very different nations.

Author’s hatred bias against Trump ruined a decent book

The author did a decent job until the Trump presidency after which he went on multiple tangents of his opinions, straying wildly from factual history.