Will N.Korea ever change?

North Korea seems to have been highly concerned about comments from the outside world on its leader Kim Jong Un’s activities and behavior. The North has made announcements that fuel speculation on which direction it will head toward under the Kim Jong Un era through both its Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Fatherland and the National Defense Commission. Pyongyang seems to proclaim that it will move this way and urge the outside world not to interfere. The committee steps in when announcing something on inter-Korean relations, while the commission takes charge of threatening South Korea. North Korea is skilled at propaganda and instigation, but the South Korean government and experts have secured rather unexpected materials for analysis.

In the format of answers given by the committee spokesman, Pyongyang expressed its view on reform and opening. The spokesman said the committee is responding to what South Koreans say about “change in policy” and “reform and opening” in the North. He claimed that expecting a change in policy and reform and opening in the North is something one should never expect, and is a "stupid thing to do at best." The committee stressed all policies in the North are meant to inherit thinking and achievements of great leaders, and that the Stalinist country will never embrace any change.

The statement by the National Defense Commission seems to reflect Pyongyang’s intention that its hostile policy toward South Korea and the U.S. will continue. Thus far, the commission has unleashed a string of threats, claiming that South Korea and the U.S. have implemented plots to destroy statues and monuments in the North. Notably, the North has made provocative comments against the U.S., saying, “Ultra-stern response,” “strong physical counterattack,” and “crush with the strong power of our outstanding military first.” The commission has criticized the pledge, “Washington has no intention to be hostile toward Pyongyang,” made by top U.S. officials, including the president and defense secretary, and claimed it is only meant to cheat on public opinion.

Also notable in the North’s announcement is its mention of the situation in North Africa and Syria. The National Defense Commission labeled civil revolutions in North Africa and the Syrian crisis as political terrorism against states committed by the U.S., claiming that Washington also singled out North Korea as a target of its terrorism. Libya and Egypt have achieved civil revolutions through popular uprisings against long-term dictatorships. The Syrian people have also stepped up to block father-to-son succession of power. Pyongyang talked about North Africa and Syria to condemn the U.S., but has shown the weaknesses it wants to hide. What is weighing on leader Kim Jong Un is not agony over the North’s reform and opening, but fears that the Stalinist country could face the same fate of dictators in Africa and Syria.

Editorial Writer Bhang Hyeong-nam (hnbhang@donga.com)