From Grassroots to Peace Talks: Women in the Inter-Korean Peace Process

Despite some hurdles, the last two years have seen hope return to the inter-Korean peace process. With the historic summit on 27 April 2018 following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK, North Korea) participation in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, inter-Korean relations became significantly warmer and perhaps closer than ever. However, what was visible between the hopeful scenes during these historical talks was the dominant presence of men. As feminist scholars have long asked, where are the women? With this question, this topical backgrounder revisits the inter-Korean peace process with a particular focus on women’s participation, from grassroots movements to peace talks. It does so by examining how Korean women have been involved and the characteristics of their participation including challenges and opportunities, especially in relation to the 20th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 in October 2020.

From grassroots to peace talks: Women in the inter-Korean peace process

Despite some hurdles, the last two years have seen hope return to the inter-Korean peace process. With the historic summit on 27 April 2018 following the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea’s (DPRK, North Korea) participation in the Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, inter-Korean relations became significantly warmer and perhaps closer than ever.

SIPRIYeonju Jung