Yet unification cannot be a question of the South engulfing the North, they said.
And though the "unification cost is great," Hong-Koo acknowledged in the question and answer session, the "division cost is even greater."
"The only natural Korea is a unified Korea," Bosworth said.
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Carter wrapped up the panel, discussing the upcoming parliamentary elections in South Korea and recent developments bearing on relations between North and South Korea.
This "last hangover of the Cold War," Carter said, remains "one of the most fascinating, but also most dangerous parts of the world."