North Korea’s Military Often Revolts Against the Tyrant

Hwang Jang-yop, former secretary of the North`s ruling Workers` Party who is visiting Washington D.C., pointed out on November 2 that North Korea has essentially remained the same, therefore economic reform and the open-door policy were just for maintaining dictatorship by appeasing its people.

Hwang also said, “The military is the first group to rebel against the North. They can act freely as individuals compared to others, and even have weapons. Also, they were the biggest victims of the dictatorship. Actually some companies and platoons rose in revolt from time to time, but all of them were killed.”

Hwang insisted at the press conference with Korean correspondents to Washington, “The youth should have hope and look forward to it at that age.” However, young people in the North are forced to be the arms of Kim Jung-il for 13 years. After the military service, they ruin their lives by living in a group while working in mines. It is the worst possible infringement upon personal rights.”

He added, “Some worry about the cost of unification. Why do they worry about that even before we are actually united? If we are united, it will be enough for the South to give the North two million tons of rice for food for several years. You can also enhance exchange and cooperation by sending companies. I will go to the North then. I don’t think there will be many refugees from the North.”

Hwang said that Kim Yong-sun, secretary of North Korea`s ruling Worker’s Party and the country’s point man on South Korea who died on October 26, was a flattering “yes man.” Hwang, on the news that his son sent to Pyongyang because of the fracture of his leg, said, “I think the life of my nation is more important than the life of myself or my family. Kim Jung-il may already know that he cannot change my mind through my family.”

He gave his impression of visiting the United States by saying, “Even though I stayed in the U.S. for a short period of time, I think visiting it was meaningful. I’m sorry that I cannot visit New York, LA, and Chicago. I hope I can visit again another time.”

maypole@donga.com