Kirsty Coventry: A Controversial Bid for the IOC Presidency

North Korea is often perceived as a country seemingly cut off from the rest of the world. In 2020, due to the global pandemic, North Korea closed its borders, which led to a significant decrease in its foreign trade. Its total foreign trade volume was $860 million in 2020, and it was expected to be less than $300 million in the following year, a sharp contrast to South Korea's trade volume which exceeded $1 trillion in the same period. The number of inbound and outbound passengers also shows a huge gap between the two countries, with North Korea having only a fraction of South Korea's figures.

Once part of Asia’s “Four Little Dragons,” South Korea has transformed from a developing nation into a global technological powerhouse. Renowned for its dominance in mechanical engineering, automotive manufacturing, and semiconductors, the country continues to diversify its technological strengths, investing heavily in emerging sectors such as aerospace, defense, nanotechnology, and healthcare.