Whenever I consider a problem and search for solutions, I always want to go to the root of the problem, not wherever the problem appears to obtrude itself, like a neurotic tumor. In the case of North Korea, it seems apparent, even obvious, that the fundamental issue, which must be addressed before any other measures can have any realistic effect, is the Korean Divide. First, Korea must be re-united as a single nation; then it may begin the slow process of re-integration into the world community.
So here is my suggested solution – both North and South Korea can agree to set up a Unification School somewhere along the borders of their countries. Each side would select perhaps eight students, four boys and four girls, at about the age of ten years, but not taken from any notable families. These sixteen students would be provided with the best education possible, at State expense. Each side would be allowed to provide half the curriculum. These students would then be prepared for a time, perhaps when the youngest reaches the age of thirty, when these students would select one of their number to head a government over the whole of Korea, setting up such political and economic and social arrangements as they see fit, and nominating their choices of personnel to supervise the various administrative functions. By the time this transfer of power were effected (over the span of about twenty years), both sides would have become prepared for the change, and it should happen smoothly, as the advantages of unification would greatly outweigh any considerations about how the selected Guardian of a new Korea might interpret his or her mandate.
