김정은의 경제-핵무력 병진노선의 특징과 지속 가능성

Abstract

The aim of this study is to review the development processes and structures of the ‘Parallel Policy’ of North Korea, the characteristics and sustainability of the ‘Economy-Nuclear Parallel Policy’ in Kim Jong-un Era. First, the parallel policy of North Korea, which has been designed for coping with the internal and external crisis, had a profound impact on the entire military, politics, and economy, forming important elements of the bifurcation in North Korea’s history. In this respect, the development processes and structures of the parallel policy are integral parts in understanding North Korea’s modern history and structure. Second, the past parallel policy in Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il era were North Korea’s responses to the challenges of security environment, however, the economy-nuclear parallel policy was aimed at helping stabilized what is now Kim Jong-un’s regime, which has been showing larger internal crisis than in the former regimes. Meanwhile, based on the CNC(computer numerical control), ‘High-tech Juche Industry’ has been unable to contribute significantly to economic development. In addition, constructing asymmetry weapons system supported by that industry has caused intensifications of sanctions against North Korea and restricted the reform and opening-up policy. Furthermore, the instability of the parallel policy will be increased in the progress of marketization and informationalization. Third, the sustainability of parallel policy depends on solving the country’s economic problems. This will be highly influenced by the economic assistance of China because there are uncertainties about the improvement in relations between North Korea and the United States. Thus, for the moment, the China’s support can have a huge impact on the sustainability of parallel policy.