The change of South Korean image of North Korea after the Cold War: Identity, image, and policy

There has been a change in image of North Korea after the Cold War. The image of North Korea as the evil enemy during the Cold War still holds its value, but another image of North Korea, ally has rapidly gained in strength. This dissertation examines why there has been a change in image of North Korea by South Korea. Tajfel's social identity theory provides an explanation for hostility during the Cold War as well as for reconciliation during the post-Cold War between the two Koreas. Based on the concept that identity is socially constructed, and the further assumption that individuals engage in a continuous attempt to enhance social identity for self-esteem and pride, this dissertation intends to examine the changed social context and resulting political discourse. My hypothesis is that for South Korea, rapid economic development, democratization (anti-military dictatorship), and information flow through globalization and internet use have caused a change in self-identity resulting in a change in the image of North Korea held by South Korea. Cottam's image theory is used to investigate this change. The image change of North Korea results in different South Korean policy behaviors.