Here is the complete English translation of the text:
The 38th parallel on the Korean Peninsula, serving as the dividing line between North and South Korea, although not ancient, deeply influences the political, economic, and social development of the entire region.
This demarcation resulted from post-World War II negotiations between the US and Soviet spheres of influence, dividing the Korean Peninsula along the 38th parallel into the independent states of North and South Korea.
The total area of the Korean Peninsula is only 220,000 square kilometers, separated from China only by the Yalu and Tumen Rivers.
In ancient times, the political authority on the Korean Peninsula was a vassal state of China's Central Plains dynasties, maintaining long-term interactions with China throughout history.
Since the mid-10th century, after the unification of the Korean Peninsula under the Goryeo Dynasty, it maintained a long period of unity between North and South until subsequent changes in regimes and foreign interventions.
The historical division of the Korean Peninsula dates back to 1910, when the peninsula fell under Japanese colonial rule.
After World War II, the Korean Peninsula was divided into spheres of influence by the US and Soviet Union, with the 38th parallel becoming a symbolic dividing line.
On this basis, the Korean War erupted, plunging the Korean Peninsula into a three-year war that eventually resulted in the current situation of North and South Korea.
The impact of the Korean War was profound, causing massive casualties and property losses, and had long-lasting geopolitical implications.
US-led "UN forces" intervention expanded the war to involve China's borders, leading to the deployment of Chinese volunteers in the Korean War, eventually pushing US forces back south of the 38th parallel.
The existence of the 38th parallel is not only a geographical dividing line but also a political and ideological divide.
For a long time, North and South Korea have stood facing each other across this line, developing different social systems and models of development.
South Korea is known for its market economy and democratic system, with advanced economic development;
While North Korea practices collectivism and a planned economy, facing economic difficulties and international isolation.
However, despite the significant differences in political systems and economic development between the two countries, the ethnic sentiments and cultural traditions of the Korean people on the peninsula remain deeply interconnected.
The Korean people, sharing the same language and ethnicity, despite prolonged division and opposition, still have a profound common foundation in language, culture, and familial relations.
Especially since the 1990s, a large number of defectors have left North Korea through various means to seek better lives and freedom, further deepening the connections and interactions between North and South Korea.
From an economic perspective, the opening of the 38th parallel could potentially bring enormous opportunities and challenges to both countries' economies.
As a developed economy, South Korea has significant attraction and can provide investment and technological support to promote the economic recovery and development of North Korea.
At the same time, North Korea's labor resources and geographical advantages may also provide new markets and development opportunities for South Korean businesses.
However, this economic integration also requires addressing complex issues in politics, security, and culture to ensure a balanced and sustainable development of mutual interests.
Therefore, the future direction of the Korean Peninsula remains full of challenges and uncertainties.
How to resolve historical legacy issues through dialogue and cooperation, promote peaceful reunification and sustainable development of the Korean Peninsula, is a crucial issue faced by the Korean Peninsula and its neighboring countries.
Only through mutual respect and cooperation can long-term peace and prosperity be achieved on the Korean Peninsula and in the region.
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