• Convergence Security Journal
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.69-80
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• 2015

The present study was conducted with aim for establishing the framework of integrated veteran policy for unified Korea through the analysis of the North Korea's veteran policy. For the purpose, this study reviewed the legal system and implementation process concerning the North Korea's veteran policy and analyzed the establishment of fundamental framework of unification and the implications from the North Korea's veteran policy for unified Korea. The review of the North Korea's veteran policy covered the beginning of the North Korea's veteran policy to the present. Based on the findings of the review, this study revealed the necessity of re-establishing the principle of veteran policy in preparation for unification and proposed a plan for unified veteran policy. The results from this study are expected to be a meaningful milestone to unified veteran policy after unification. It is reasonably expected that there will remain considerable differences and conflicting factors, which could block the path to national integration, between two countries and their peoples after unification. Therefore, it is more important to make a thorough preparation and form social consensus than any other. In this respect, national policy for veterans should go back to basics and be reviewed to be ready for unification. Although different in time, the North Korea's veteran policy was and is the base of the nation's system and source engine for development every period. Re-designing the principle of veteran policy should reflect both symbols of the unified nation and the national identity, but also of socially integrated spirit. Therefore, it must include the spirit of patriotism and awareness of national security. Furthermore, as for the integration of veteran policies for unification, it is especially important for two countries to possess and share common historical consciousness. The unified veteran policy should be integrated on this base.