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Is North Korea in the UN?

Published in International Organizations 1 min read

Yes, North Korea is a member of the UN.

Details About North Korea's UN Membership

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), commonly known as North Korea, is indeed a member of the United Nations (UN). This wasn't always the case. Initially, applications by the Republic of Korea (ROK), or South Korea, were blocked.

Historical Context of UN Membership

  • Prior to 1991, the influence of the Cold War on international politics meant that only one of the two Korean states could become a UN member.
  • As the Cold War's impact lessened, a significant change occurred.
  • In 1991, both the ROK (South Korea) and the DPRK (North Korea) were simultaneously admitted into the UN.

Key Points

The simultaneous admission of both North and South Korea to the UN in 1991 marked a pivotal moment in the international relations of the Korean Peninsula. This event is an important indication of the shift in global politics after the Cold War.

Country UN Membership Date
Republic of Korea (South Korea) 1991
Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) 1991

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