[Square] Changes in Kim Jong-un's Governance Code

Hong Min, Research Fellow at the Korea Institute for National Unification

In January, the full text of the revised party charter from North Korea's 8th Party Congress was recently released, drawing attention to changes in the 'Kim Jong-un power structure.' The main point of the revision is the strengthening of a party-centered governance system led by the General Secretary. Efforts were also made to highlight ideological and policy distinctions from previous generations. For the first time since Kim Jong-un's rise to power, the explicit goal of 'building a communist society' was set, along with the era designation of 'Our Country First Era,' a shift from military-first politics (Songun) to 'People-First Politics,' self-reliance, and strong national defense. This can be summarized as the completion of a stable party-centered governance system, strengthening of state identity, people-friendly initiatives, self-reliance, and reinforcement of defense capabilities.

These changes are the result of the past nine years of Kim Jong-un's rule. The changes can be observed through 'policy terminology.' The evolution of policy terms can be divided into three periods. First, from 2012 to 2015, a period emphasizing continuity with previous generations while consolidating power and securing popular support from the people. Second, from 2016 to 2017, culminating in the 7th Party Congress and the declaration of nuclear force completion, a period in which Kim Jong-un’s unique achievements and governance system were established. Third, from 2018 onward, a period marked by inter-Korean dialogue and North Korea-US negotiations, seeking a shift in the situation but entering a stalemate phase. During each period, the North Korean leadership introduced various policy terms.

The biggest turning points were the 7th Party Congress and the 2018 shift in the situation. Starting with the 7th Party Congress, existing diverse terms were streamlined and simplified, and new terms emerged. For example, early in Kim Jong-un’s rule, many terms emphasized continuity with previous generations, but after the 7th Party Congress, terms symbolizing his own governance appeared. Also, following the November 2017 declaration of nuclear force completion and the 2018 situation change, terms showcasing nuclear power shifted to those emphasizing economic development and the strategic status of the state.

Second, rather than philosophically systematizing an independent ideology, pragmatic governance terminology stood out. Unlike previous generations who focused on systematizing governance philosophies such as Juche ideology, Songun ideology, and the General Secretary’s philosophy, pragmatic governance terms responding directly to the created situation?such as people, state, science, youth, self-reliance, and frontal breakthrough?were preferred. Amid the rise and fall of various terms, since 2016 most terms have converged and systematized around 'People-First Politics.' Also, in response to internal and external uncertainties, pragmatic terms like 'self-reliance,' which calls for internal overcoming and patience, have been adopted as strategic guidelines.

Third, there is the use of nationalist terms emphasizing state identity. The naming of the state, which previously relied on the personalities of past leaders?such as Kim Il-sung Korea, Kim Jong-il Korea, Kim Il-sung nation, Kim Jong-il nation?has gradually shifted to terms emphasizing the state itself, such as Our Country First, Knowledge Economy Powerhouse, and Strategic State. This can be interpreted as a desire for self-political assertion as well as a wish to externally demonstrate universal state identity.

Finally, there has been a change in the usage of terms related to 'nuclear.' From 2016 to 2018, terms focused heavily on showcasing nuclear capabilities increased significantly, but after 2018, nuclear terms disappeared and were reduced to denuclearization discourse. Since 2020, discourse on the advancement of nuclear forces has been reactivated. The trend is to justify nuclear weapons development and long-term possession by linking it with 'peace' discourse. Additionally, terms related to nation, peace, reconciliation, and unification have been largely restrained since 2020.

In summary, the nine years of Kim Jong-un’s rule have shifted from an active outward policy vision to a focus on internal cohesion. The party-centered governance system was refined, and policy terms increased around party congresses. Since 2018, facing externally created circumstances and economic difficulties, pragmatic, status-quo-oriented strategic and policy terms emphasizing internal cohesion have been highlighted.

Hong Min (Research Fellow, Korea Institute for National Unification)

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