Kim Jong Un Outlined Directions for Inter-Korean and Foreign Affairs... Also Established a 'TF' to Empower the Cabinet

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Kim Jong-un, the General Secretary of North Korea, presented directions for inter-Korean and external affairs activities at the second plenary meeting held over two days. Experts analyzed that he likely reaffirmed the principle of essential vs. non-essential issues toward the South and the principle of tit-for-tat and preemptive measures toward the United States.

On the 10th, the North Korean Rodong Sinmun reported, "The General Secretary clearly outlined in his report the combat tasks that the People's Army and the military-industrial sector must carry out this year to implement the decisions of the 8th Party Congress, as well as the future directions for activities in the inter-Korean and external affairs sectors." However, the newspaper did not specify the exact directions for inter-Korean and external affairs activities proposed by Chairman Kim. This is interpreted as an effort to maintain a kind of 'strategic ambiguity.'

Professor Yang Moo-jin of the University of North Korean Studies said, "It seems to be a continuation of the essential vs. non-essential and tit-for-tat principles announced at the 8th Party Congress," adding, "This is the major struggle direction for the next five years, and based on this, specific plans for this year were discussed." This aligns with the existing policy of responding according to the movements of our government or the U.S. side. Professor Yang explained, "It was an indirect message sent to the South and the United States."

Meanwhile, at the Workers' Party plenary meeting that day, the possibility of strengthening the role of the national economic guidance institution to carry out tasks in the economic and cultural sectors was mentioned. Chairman Kim also emphasized the need to improve agriculture and fisheries to solve the people's 'food problem.' Additionally, a 'Non-permanent Economic Development Committee,' which has the character of a task force (TF), was established, showing efforts to empower the Cabinet leading the economy.

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