Reform Sprouts in North Korea?

A Publication of Yale Center for the Study of Globalization

North Korea, among the world’s most secretive, isolated and impoverished countries, is led by the world’s youngest head of state. Analysts are uncertain about many details of Kim Jong Un’s life, including his age or the extent of his education with a stint in Switzerland. Since taking power in April, the young leader has taken steps to transform his nation: dismissing the country’s top military leader, starting a guest worker program for North Koreans in China, and emphasizing economic development over military politics. Many analysts had predicted failure for the new young leader who, unlike his father, Kim Jong Il, did not have years of preparation. Most refreshing, suggests Korea specialist John Delury who teaches at Yonsei University, is young Kim’s frank acknowledgment of domestic challenges. Delury contends that Kim may be following the model of China’s Deng Xiaoping to reform North Korea, preparing its people for engagement with the rest of the world. – YaleGlobal

Reform Sprouts in North Korea?

Kim Jong Un’s timid glasnost may signal shift in emphasis from military to economic development

John Delury

YaleGlobal, 26 July 2012