THE CHEONAN SINKING INCIDENT: ITS IMPACT TO THE INTER-KOREAN RELATION (2010-2011)

Abstract

This research is to analyze the impact of the Cheonan sinking incident and its contribution to the development of inter-Korean relations. This research is substantial in delivering information about the Cheonan sinking incident, perspectives from the Republic of Korea and the Democratic People.s Republic of Korea, and international concern towards the incident. The timeframe of this research is starting from the beginning of 2010 until early 2011. This research is a descriptive and explanatory research with qualitative approach and conducts library research by analyzing reports and documents from government of the ROK and DORK as the primary sources. Generally, it was found by the ROK investigation team that the sinking was caused by a torpedo attack made in DPRK fired by a DPRK.s submarine. On the other hand, the inspection group of the National Defence Commission (NDC) of the DPRK stated that the case was the most hideous conspiratorial case in the history of the nation faked up by the US and ROK. Finally, the Cheonan sinking incident was impacting intensely to the aftermath inter-Korean relations.