hankyoreh

By Kim Kyu-won, staff reporter

December 18 marks one year since Kim Jong-un became ruler of North Korea following the death of his father Kim Jong-il. Although he has shown a more open ruling style than his father, Kim has been appraised as failing to achieve any significant results related to economic reform or improvements in foreign relations.

One topic of attention since Kim Jong-un took power has been the shift in leadership style. Compared to his father, who adhered so rigidly to a closed leadership style that earned him the nickname of “recluse,” the younger Kim has been displaying an open and people-friendly leadership style. Some attribute this to his time studying in Western Europe. An example of this shift is his practice of gripping the hands of those he meets, or locking arms and hugging them with a bright facial expression. In particular, Kim caused a sensation when he appeared publicly with his wife Ri Sol-ju in July at a performance by the Moranbong Band. Such an outward show is not common in North Korea. The duo was also seen enjoying the rides at the Rungna People’s Pleasure Ground in Pyongyang.

An official at South Korea’s Ministry of Unification said, “Unlike during the Kim Jong-il regime, his son has significantly raised the level of physical contact with the people and the overall feeling of familiarity,” adding that the leader has been trying to highlight his image as a leader who loves the people.

He has also shown a more open attitude in dealing with the press. On April 13, when North Korea attempted to launch a rocket, he invited foreign media and observers, revealed the launch site. After the launch ended unsuccessfully, he immediately announced the failure via North Korea’s state media. In addition, on April 15, the centenary of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, his first public speech was broadcast live on TV. Since Kim Jong-un became leader, the North Korean media has undergone a major speed boost and the number of live broadcasts has increased significantly.

Still No Economic Reforms　

As Kim showed his new brand of leadership, expectations for economic reforms in North Korea have increased. Particularly, after July, rumors spread widely that economic reforms dubbed the “June 28 economic measures” were to be implemented. The content of the reform policy was known to strengthen the autonomy of, and incentives for, residents in the arenas of agriculture and business.

The specific content and implementation plans of the June 28 measures, however, have yet to be confirmed. The government and experts analyzed that even though pilot businesses are operating in some regions the results are still uncertain. “It seems as though there has been a bit of progress in the agricultural sector, but fundamental economic reform is still lacking. High inflation and shortage of production and supply have been the cause,” said Inje University professor Kim Yeon-chul.

A Ministry of Unification official observed, “For economic reform to take place, certain resources are necessary, but such resources cannot be supplied domestically,” adding that economic reform is difficult to accomplish without outside support.

There are, however, some signs of partial economic reform. The representative case is that a considerable portion of businesses operated by the military has been moved to the cabinet while the relationship between the party and the military has been adjusted. Kim Jong-un’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek’s visit to China in August drew attention related to economic reform as well. Jang asked China to invest in the development of economic special zones of Hwanggumpyong, Wihwado and Rason, near the border between China and North Korea.

Possible Diplomatic Shift Next Year 　

The foreign relations of Kim Jong-un regime were assessed to be off on the right foot when a February 29 agreement with the US was reached. But the relations between the two countries were knocked back to the starting point with the launch of a rocket in April.

As for inter-Korean relations, Unification Minister Ryu Woo-ik’s suggestion of a dialogue channel drew attention at the beginning of this year but the possibility of the channel was blocked in September as North Korea refused to accept an offer of flood relief supplies. The North held meetings with the Japanese Red Cross and the government from August to November, but noticeable results have yet to be achieved.

On the other hand, the relationship with traditional ally China has endured as meetings between high-ranking officials have been occurring regularly. However, with the two rocket launches, China, North Korea’s only influential supporter, has been left with little leeway to make choices concerning the reclusive nation.

“There is the possibility for North Korea to make moves to improve foreign relations more aggressively starting next year when the two issues of stabilization of the power system and the successful rocket launch have been resolved,” said Jang Yong-seok, a researcher at the Institute for Peace and Unification Studies of Seoul National University said,

“If North Korea has more confidence, the negotiations will likely proceed more smoothly.”

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