1.

This article was put together to study fertility trends in both North and South
Korea and their implications upon eventual reunification. Both countries have
below replacement fertility levels and because of this reunification at an
earlier point may be better than at a later one. Although North Korea’s fertility
rate has steadily declined since 1970 and it’s fertility rates are now below
replacement level, they still have a relatively higher fertility rate than South
Korea. South Korea’s population structure has undergone major changes
since national division. For instance, in the article it is stated that South
Korea has been experiencing a very rapidly aging population. It is projected
that by 2026, those 65 years and older will make up 20% of the population.
This would make South Korea a super aged society. In effect, the relatively
younger North Korean population could help slow down the growth and
support the rapidly aging South Korean population. However, the younger
North Korean population may face some disadvantages, like feeling
discouraged to have many kids if both countries come together. The
government of South Korea has effectively reduced fertility rates by
encouraging the use of contraception, normalizing things like divorce and
abortion, and increasing women’s education. For instance, 85.9% of South
Korean women use contraception to prevent pregnancy. Overall, in this
article, fertility declines among different educational and socioeconomic
groups are studied. Especially so in relation to the division of the Koreas and
new cultural trends.
2. Researchers who created this article used existing sources to do their
research. They took information from many different studies and put it
together to create a relation between population demographics and the
reunification of the Koreas.
3. Kwon et al’s research can be connected to other conflicts over land
distribution such as the situation with Russia and Ukraine right now. Russia
wants to invade Ukraine and take them in as a territory, however would this
be good for them and their population considering population demographics.
As we have seen from Kwon et al’s research, the reunification of the Koreas
would come with some disadvantages as well as advantages. If population
demographics are studied, fertility rates of Ukraine may be significantly lower
or higher than those of Russia. This could lead to an overpopulation or a
decrease of fertility rates in Russia.