Throughout the history of inter-Korean relations, the process of
engagement between 1984 and 1985 has been of little focus among studies.
Yet it is worthy of close analysis as it occurred during a critical
time when Cold War tensions were mounting with shifts in the balance of
power between the Soviet Union and the United States as well as the
upcoming Summer Olympics in Seoul. This article reveals the way in which
the complex international environment shaped inter-Korean dialogue,
particularly within the context of how each side was also seeking
support from the Soviet Union. Crucially, it will show that inter-Korean
dialogue formed an important source of legitimacy for the two Koreas,
both domestically and internationally. This has ramifications for today
where the two Koreas are seeking out contacts with one another within a
regional order increasingly being shaped by China.