Controversy Sparked by Provocative Term "North Delegated Governance"...NIS 'Park Ji-won Risk' (Comprehensive)

NIS: "North Korea's Kim Yo-jong Delegated Governance Over State Affairs"
Experts: "Potential Misunderstanding... Reminiscent of Kim Jong-un's Incapacitation"
"Unnecessarily Provokes Kim Jong-un... Also Negatively Impacts Behind-the-Scenes Inter-Korean Negotiations"

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, attended the full meeting of the Intelligence Committee held at the National Assembly in Yeouido, Seoul, on the afternoon of the 20th, preparing for the meeting.

On the 20th, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) reported to the National Assembly that "North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is delegating power to his close aides, effectively practicing 'delegated governance'." This report has sparked growing criticism that the NIS recklessly used inappropriate terminology, thereby inviting unnecessary misunderstandings and controversies. There are also claims that this reflects the character of NIS Director Park Jie-won, who was known for stirring up issues during his political career, a phenomenon being called the "Park Jie-won risk."

During a closed briefing at the Intelligence Committee of the National Assembly on the 20th, the NIS stated that Kim Jong-un is practicing delegated governance by distributing authority to some close aides, including his younger sister Kim Yo-jong, the First Deputy Director of the North Korean Workers' Party. The term "delegated governance" quickly spread through the media, causing shock and raising doubts.

In explaining the reason for delegated governance, the NIS also used the term "governance stress." This description is difficult to detect without close observation of Kim Jong-un. Moreover, the news originating from the NIS on that day was filled with dramatic and provocative terms such as "number two" and "successor." This has led to criticism that the NIS, whose motto is "silent dedication," ironically took the lead in escalating the commotion.

This is also evaluated to be closely related to the political orientation of the newly appointed Director Park. Professor Kim Geun-sik of Gyeongnam National University pointed out, "Director Park arbitrarily processed North Korean intelligence with political intent," adding, "He used provocative terms to attract media attention upon his debut at the NIS."

He further criticized, "Since coming to power, Kim Jong-un has gradually dispersed authority while pursuing normalization as a sovereign state, which has been a longstanding fact. However, the NIS suddenly mentioned 'delegated governance,' evoking the image of an emergency situation regarding Kim Jong-un and stirring public anxiety."

This commotion is expected to have a negative impact on future behind-the-scenes inter-Korean negotiations. Professor Kim said, "The moment the NIS director hinted at power changes within North Korea and obsessed over domestic media play, behind-the-scenes negotiations with the North became completely impossible."

Park Ji-won, Director of the National Intelligence Service, is attending the 'Power Agency Reform Consultation for the People' held at the National Assembly on the 30th of last month. Photo by Yoon Dong-joo doso7@

Kim Ki-hyun, a member of the United Future Party, also criticized Director Park Jie-won regarding the news of "Kim Yo-jong's delegated governance," calling it "an absurd rumor."

On the 21st, Kim said on Facebook, "There is no reason for Kim Jong-un (North Korean Supreme Leader) not to know that the moment a tyrant with absolute power steps back to the second line, greater chaos and bloodshed follow than during the tyrant's reign," and raised his voice, "Are we supposed to take Director Park's 'story' at face value that power was delegated merely because of 'stress'?"

An anonymous North Korea expert said, "The term 'delegated governance' appears to be a phrase created by the NIS, which is misleading," adding, "It seems to reflect Director Park's pro-media personality."

Another expert said, "It seems (Director Park) used expressions as if boasting on Kim Eo-jun's broadcast," and sharply criticized, "Such expressions are inappropriate for the head of the nation's top intelligence agency."

Director Park has been at the center of issues by actively commenting on various current affairs through social networking services (SNS) since his political career.

Last month, upon being nominated as the NIS director, Park announced he would suspend SNS activities, stating, "I will focus on the NIS's original mission." However, even after receiving his appointment letter from the president, Park continued SNS activities via Facebook, drawing criticism. In particular, he publicly shared his weekend plans, effectively "self-exposing" the movements of the intelligence agency chief, and deleted related posts after the controversy escalated.

National Intelligence Service

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.