Part 2/9:

South Korea’s prosperity is largely dependent on its ability to navigate a precarious geopolitical landscape. To the north lies North Korea, an oppressive regime that poses a constant threat of military aggression and nuclear annihilation. With approximately half of South Korea's population residing in the densely packed greater Seoul area, the risk of devastation in the event of conflict is palpable. Meanwhile, China, South Korea's largest trading partner, presents its ideological and economic challenges, and Japan—despite historical enmity—remains its only regional ally. The convoluted relationships involve a delicate balance of power, often leaning heavily on the support of the United States.