북한의 경제성장과 분배: 1960∼80년대와 2000년대 비교

Abstract

This study compares and examines the relationship between the national income of North Korea and its distribution for the period between the 1960s∼1980s and the 2000s. Although the period between the 1960s and 1980s was when the socialist planned economy in North Korea was effectively operating as intended, the rate of increase in national income during this period was far less as compared to the rate of increase in income distribution to North Koreans. This was due to not only a concentration of national income on investment rather than spending, but also excessive expenditure on military expenses and the maintenance of a counter productive government system. However, coming into the 2000s, with the expansion of North Korea’s market economy, the government’s interventional power over its economy has been largely weakened. Due to such change, the ratio between national income and income distribution rapidly increased within that period. This represents that the market is able to further increase the ratio between national income and income distribution in North Korea rather than its government. Although the boost in market activity also acts as a cause for increase in inequality among North Koreans, it may also function as a foundation to revive the North Korean economy in the future through productive accumulation.