I my opinion, Russia has a plenty of other problems to deal with. It neither requires domination in the Korean region, nor has adequate "civil" means to achieve it. If the USA starts military operations in the region, Russia won't have enough influence to stop it. Moreover, stopping it is not sensible.

No sense to defend North Korea anymore and Russia won't risk a military conflict with the USA. In case of taking South Korea's side - no sense to defend South Korea provided that the USA does all the dirty work.

Let the fools fight.

Germany had similar fears about the economy. At the moment however it is the largest economy of Europe and 4th globally only surpassed by the USA, Japan and China.

 Reunification is possible, but not necessarily good.  South Korea has a good economy, but it would be shattered if they were made responsible for catching up North Korea to South Korean and global standards.   The people themselves are very different as well.  North Korean citizens are not simply South Koreans under a dictator.  

War is also a possibility, though most Koreans don't seem too worried yet.  A close friend of mine is seeing her younger brother off to mandatory military service two weeks from now.   She's worried for him, and I think that is a common feeling for people entering into military service or have family doing it during tense times.  However, the general population seems to ignore any danger.  Seoul is the biggest, most vulnerable, and most likely target in the case of war suddenly happening, yet there hasn't been any exodus from the city as one might expect if war was considered imminent among the people.

Maybe you should talk Awesomepants about this, you know, he's into this.

Also the young writer Han Han 韩寒 I mentioned you before has some interesting viewpoints about the North Korea's politics.

How's going in Rottendamn? Already started a new study?

"i think so south korea better than north korea"

hehe

Reunion is possible, but not for sure

1) if the reunion is to be, than it won't be peaceful

if the reunion is to be and won't be peaceful then North Korea will lose as it has no military allies

if North Korean regime is to be overthrown than let it be as early as possible, because North Korea does not yet have adequate means of nuclear warheads delivery

2) if the reunion is not to be then war is strongly unadvisable for any side at any time

The question is: "to be or not to be?" Only experts may say for sure, but acting will be politicians. Poor luck.