북한 ‘수령체제’의 변화와 ‘3대 세습’의 구조적 한계

Abstract

The Suryong(supreme leader) System is a system designed to realize monolithic leadership in the suryong and his successors. the Suryong System cannot be understood in its fullest unless a comprehensive analysis is carried out in connection to the Succession System. North Korea's Suryong System was launched following the establishment of the monolithic ideology system in 1967. Since then, the system went through three major changes, first of which is the 'formation' process. Second, the process of ‘consolidation’, which is attainable via complete resolution of the successor issue. Third, the 'base erosion' process which generally takes three dimensions. One, the abolishment of the DPRK presidency weakened the institutional base of the Suryong System. Two, by promoting military-first line in ‘songun politics’, North Korea has undermined the function and role of the party. Third, prolonged food shortages led people to avert from a party-centered lifestyle, with weakened pervasion of the collectivist mindset in North Koea. The ‘erosion of base’ in the Suryong System will impose severe limitations on the existing Succession System that operates on the 'Suryong Succession Method.' The limitations can be identified in three points. One, the problem of institutional legitimacy. Two, the problem of the structural limitation. Three, the problem of ‘a voluntary motive’ of the people. As a consequence, the existing ‘Suryong Succession Method’ is bound to be severly constrained unless Kim Jung Il can inject a new ‘voluntary motive’ to the North Korean people.