N. Korean Heir Apparent Prioritizes ‘Food Over Bullets’

North Korea’s heir apparent Kim Jong Un has reportedly put priority on food over weapons.

The Japanese daily Yomiuri Shimbun Monday quoted Kim as saying, “It was okay without food in the past as long as we had guns and bullets, but it`s not okay without food now even if we have guns and bullets.”

The newspaper based its report on sources familiar with the North’s relations with China.

Kim reportedly made this comment late last month while on an inspection tour of Kimchaek, North Hamkyong Province, as the ruling Workers’ Party held a convention in Pyongyang. Documents containing what he said were distributed to senior party officials.

The newspaper said, “This is the first time for Kim Jong Un to specifically mention something about state administration,” adding, “Kim emphasized the North’s economic recovery and improvement of the people’s livelihood.”

Sources on North Korea-China relations also quoted Kim as saying, “We have a smaller territory and population than other countries. We’re not as rich as other countries in wealth and natural resources. But we have Dear Leader Kim Il Sung (his grandfather and North Korea’s founder) and the General (his father and incumbent leader Kim Jong Il). So we can enjoy happiness and joy for generations to come.”

Kim Jong Un’s comment is seen as trying to justify the power succession of his family.

jkmas@donga.com