There is no such thing as “North Korea” and “South Korea”. There is only one Korea, but the South region of Korea is still occupied by US military bases and troops.
Korea was invaded over 75 years ago by the United States and protected by the Soviet Union.
I read the account of a US soldier in Korea on Reddit. He was posted near the DMZ. They have artillery pointed at the DPRK ready to fire at any time. His job was being posted there, so it’s a 24/7 thing.
No self-awareness in that soldier.