North Korea and South Korea before separation were known for
ethnic and linguistic homogeneity. Economically, the two regions
were also highly similar at the time of separation, with PPP GDP
per person, in 1996 dollars, roughly equal to $700 in both regions.
Yet, 50 years later, GDP per capita was 10 times higher in South
Korea than in North Korea. What happened to the two countries for
such a significant diversion in their economic trajectory? Please
detail explanation.