Introduction
Summary of the Book Becoming Kim Jong Un by Jung H. Pak Before we proceed, let’s look into a brief overview of the book. When we think of North Korea, certain images leap to mind—missile parades, secretive meetings, and tightly controlled broadcasts. It’s a land defined by both fear and fantasy, governed by a leader who seems at once familiar and utterly mysterious. Kim Jong-un, the third-generation ruler, was once regarded as a laughingstock in foreign media. Yet, behind the jokes lies a formidable figure who inherited a complex legacy and forged his own path to power. By examining the country’s origins under Kim Il-sung, the grim decades of Kim Jong-il’s reign, and the calculated steps Kim Jong-un has taken—nuclear ambitions, cyber warfare, staged modernity, and cunning diplomacy—we discover a story far richer and darker than any caricature. As these chapters reveal, understanding Kim Jong-un is key to understanding his extraordinary domain.
Chapter 1: The Unshakable Foundations Laid by Kim Il-sung and Their Lasting Impact on North Korea’s Future.
Imagine a newly formed country where every street corner, classroom, and humble home is adorned with the portrait of one man. That man was Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of North Korea, who ruled from 1948 and shaped nearly every aspect of life. In the early years, he created a strong image of himself as a heroic revolutionary who defended the Korean peninsula from foreign powers. His presence was not just political; it was woven into the country’s moral fabric. Schoolchildren memorized his speeches, workers chanted his slogans, and everyone treated his birthday as a sacred holiday. This period built a culture where Kim Il-sung was not just a leader but a figure close to divinity, ensuring that loyalty to him felt as natural as breathing.
At the heart of Kim Il-sung’s strategy was the idea of molding minds from a young age. North Korean classrooms operated like carefully staged theaters, where textbooks portrayed Kim’s accomplishments in grand, almost magical terms. Students learned tales of him battling overwhelming odds, painting him as the savior of the nation. Over time, belief in his near-superhuman qualities became accepted truth. He was the fatherly figure who guarded the homeland with fierce devotion. By filling the education system with stories of heroism and unquestioned loyalty, he ensured that future generations would follow the path he carved. This intricate process of shaping beliefs meant that his successors would inherit a people trained to revere their rulers and accept their words without hesitation.
Yet Kim Il-sung’s legacy wasn’t limited to benevolent imagery. Behind the celebration and pomp lay a complex machinery of fear and control. Anyone even slightly critical of his rule could disappear into the shadowy recesses of the regime’s grip. Political prisons, show trials, and forced labor ensured that an atmosphere of tension existed alongside the grand displays of devotion. The message was unmistakable: to challenge the leader’s authority was to risk one’s freedom or life. Kim Il-sung understood that every piece of public art and every staged rally needed a powerful enforcement mechanism lurking behind it. In this way, he sculpted both North Korea’s outer appearance of unity and its inner reality of suppression, setting a template that future leaders would refine and intensify.
Kim Il-sung’s influence also stretched across international boundaries. He cultivated a political environment that leaned heavily on Communist allies like the Soviet Union, securing essential resources and support. However, he kept a firm grip on his country’s uniqueness, crafting a distinctive national identity. The people were told they lived in a world surrounded by threatening forces eager to destroy their independence. To survive, they needed a strong leader who could outwit enemies and protect their interests. By combining heroism, control, and fear, Kim Il-sung handed down to his descendants a formula for maintaining absolute authority. This foundation would shape Kim Jong-il’s and later Kim Jong-un’s strategies, ensuring that North Korea’s leadership would rest on a potent mix of devotion, terror, and tightly managed information.
Chapter 2: Kim Jong-il’s Intensification of State Control and the Creation of a Hereditary Dynasty.
As Kim Il-sung’s son, Kim Jong-il inherited not just a leadership position, but also a detailed blueprint of how to rule. He stepped into his father’s shoes determined to intensify the personality cult and maintain iron-fisted control. Under Kim Jong-il, towering monuments reached new heights, and official artworks depicted him as a brilliant figure guiding the nation’s destiny. He expanded the strict social hierarchy, where loyalty to the regime defined your opportunities in life. Like his father, he understood the power of symbolism. His face, too, appeared everywhere, and an endless stream of propaganda films portrayed him as the guardian of pure Korean identity. This transformation was not merely decorative; it reinforced the sense that leadership passed through the family like a sacred lineage.
While he carried forward his father’s legacy, Kim Jong-il also navigated a world in flux. The collapse of the Soviet Union in the early 1990s removed a critical pillar of support, leaving North Korea more isolated than ever. As global politics shifted, Kim Jong-il faced a stark choice: open up and adapt or double down on control. He chose the latter. His regime tightly controlled food distribution, the media, and access to the outside world. He sharpened surveillance and kept a wary eye on neighbors developing more open societies. The result was a fortress-like state encircled by suspicion, where even mild reform attempts could brand a person as an enemy within. This unyielding stance sent a clear message: the Kims’ rule would not bend before international winds.
A crucial aspect of Kim Jong-il’s reign was the preparation for eventual succession. He made sure his image was not just one of power but also of continuity. He reinforced the story that this leadership line was special—almost royal—destined to lead the nation through thick and thin. In public celebrations, official speeches, and school lessons, North Koreans were reminded that their safety and future hinged on the Kim family’s guidance. While dynastic rule was not a new idea, Kim Jong-il perfected it for a modern era, blending traditional reverence with a high-tech propaganda machine. This ensured that when the time came to pass the torch to Kim Jong-un, the population would see it as natural and proper rather than forced or unusual.
All the while, Kim Jong-il confronted severe internal hardships. The devastating famine of the 1990s was a tragic example. Even as people starved, official messages insisted on unwavering loyalty and sacrifice. The regime’s survival strategy involved sealing off the country even more tightly. Citizens were taught that the outside world was perilous, filled with hostile actors. By relying on fear of external enemies and the promise that only the Kim leadership could provide stability, the dictatorship kept its grip. This set the stage for Kim Jong-un’s rise. When he eventually took over, he inherited a land shaped by decades of iron rule, intense propaganda, and a persistent narrative that the Kim family was a shield against the turbulent forces beyond the nation’s borders.
Chapter 3: A Young Heir’s Struggle Abroad and the Formation of Kim Jong-un’s Ambitious Persona.
Kim Jong-un, born into a life of privilege few can imagine, grew up knowing he was no ordinary child. From his earliest memories, he was surrounded by luxury—grand villas, attentive servants, and lavish gifts. Yet unlike the average North Korean boy, he did not simply run free within the confines of his homeland. Kim Jong-un spent formative years studying abroad, in places like Switzerland, where he found himself in classrooms filled with students whose lives differed drastically from his own. Observers recall a quiet, slightly withdrawn young man who struggled academically but displayed fierce enthusiasm for sports, especially basketball. This love of competition and winning, combined with his exclusive background, hinted at a personality that would eventually shape his rule: energetic, driven, and hungry for recognition.
Studying overseas exposed Kim Jong-un to Western culture and ideas, whether he embraced them or not. He observed different political systems, freer societies, and economies that worked in ways fundamentally different from North Korea’s. Even if he did not fully understand or accept these concepts, he carried these mental snapshots back home. Returning to a land defined by propaganda and control, he may have recognized that the world beyond his borders was complex and challenging. He might have seen that maintaining power in a global era required skill in both image-making and strategic thinking. These early impressions would later surface in his attempts to present North Korea as more modern and lively, all while maintaining a chokehold on dissent.
His father, Kim Jong-il, had to choose which of his children would inherit the mantle of leadership. Kim Jong-un was not the oldest son, nor the most academically gifted. His elder brother, Kim Jong-nam, once considered a likely successor, fell out of favor due to embarrassing incidents and suspected reformist leanings. Another brother, Kim Jong-chol, was rumored to be too gentle and uninterested in the brutal realities of power. That left Kim Jong-un as the most viable candidate, the one who combined loyalty, ambition, and a certain spark that his father recognized. The choice was never officially explained, but the simple truth was that Kim Jong-un remained the sole figure who could continue the dynasty’s narrative while showing the toughness needed to rule.
From the moment Kim Jong-un stepped into the spotlight, he carried an inherited expectation: to maintain the Kim family’s grip on the nation. After years of careful grooming and quiet observation, he stood poised at the edge of a monumental role. This young heir was aware of the monumental tasks ahead. He needed to secure his position, demonstrate authority, and craft a personal image that balanced tradition with a touch of modern flair. The early signs—from the military uniform he wore on his eighth birthday to the private schooling in foreign countries—hinted at a leader who would blend old tactics with fresh strategies. Kim Jong-un’s path was set: he would become the third-generation ruler of a tightly sealed country, determined to leave his own mark on history.
Chapter 4: Internal Battles, Conflicts of Choice, and the Sealed Fate of Kim Jong-un’s Ascension.
Before Kim Jong-un’s official rise, the corridors of Pyongyang’s elite power structures hummed with speculation. Who would inherit the leadership after Kim Jong-il? The choice was not straightforward. Kim Jong-nam’s wild misadventures abroad and rumored openness to economic reforms had made him a questionable heir. The regime could not tolerate a figure who might open doors to the outside world, potentially weakening the iron control it wielded. Kim Jong-chol, meanwhile, showed little appetite for the harsh responsibilities of total command. Thus, the spotlight fell on Kim Jong-un, a son whose true nature was less known outside the inner circle but who was believed to possess the necessary steel to lead. The stage was set for a carefully orchestrated handover that would surprise many observers.
Kim Jong-il’s decision involved more than personal favor. Selecting Kim Jong-un required ensuring that the ruling class—military generals, party officials, and security organs—would accept him. To achieve this, Kim Jong-il skillfully reshaped narratives. State media began to sprinkle subtle hints about the young general, praising him in guarded ways to prepare the public. Behind the scenes, officials were probably tested, probed for their loyalty. The older Kim needed to confirm that when he was gone, no rival would challenge his chosen successor. In a system where a single misstep could cost a life, everyone learned to praise Kim Jong-un’s leadership potential before he officially took the throne. This quiet choreography of power-transfer ensured that when the moment came, the nation would see a smooth, almost inevitable transition.
When Kim Jong-il passed away in late 2011, North Koreans wept publicly as if losing a beloved parent. State media orchestrated dramatic scenes of grief, and behind these performances, the new leader, Kim Jong-un, prepared to step forward. Now was his chance to prove himself. He needed to show he could be as fearsome and cunning as his father and grandfather. In a world that perceived him as young, untested, and possibly weak, Kim Jong-un had to quickly consolidate power. He promoted himself to top military ranks without military experience, signaling that political loyalty would count more than battlefield achievements. He let the people see him at grand parades and national celebrations, framing himself as the rightful heir continuing a proud, unbroken line of leadership.
With each calculated move, Kim Jong-un erased doubts about his capability to rule. He began asserting authority early, making high-profile changes within the military and party ranks. Those who posed even a hint of a threat were sidelined, disgraced, or eliminated. By responding swiftly and decisively to internal challenges, Kim Jong-un showcased the ruthless streak required to hold absolute power. The result was a new leader who, though young, appeared remarkably consistent with the family tradition: absolute authority, upheld by both grand spectacles of loyalty and the silent terror lurking behind closed doors. The legacy of his father and grandfather guided him, ensuring that Kim Jong-un’s ascension was not just a personal victory, but a carefully engineered chapter in the ongoing Kim dynasty saga.
Chapter 5: North Korea’s Nuclear and Cyber Ambitions as Kim Jong-un’s Keys to Global Relevance.
From the moment Kim Jong-un took power, he grasped that his regime’s survival would depend on more than just domestic awe and fear. The world beyond North Korea’s borders needed a reason to pay attention. Nuclear weapons, originally pursued by his father, became Kim Jong-un’s strongest leverage. By advancing the nuclear program, he created a powerful bargaining chip that no other small, isolated nation could easily match. Missiles and nuclear tests served as signals to the international community that North Korea demanded respect and would not be ignored. At the same time, Kim recognized the cyber realm as another battlefield. Quietly but methodically, he expanded North Korea’s hacking capabilities. With a few skilled hackers, his regime could steal funds, leak sensitive information, and disrupt foreign systems.
Nuclear weapons provided not just international leverage, but also a story to tell at home. Kim claimed these weapons were defensive shields, protecting North Koreans from hostile forces eager to topple their government. This narrative played into long-standing fears, reminding citizens that outsiders were constantly plotting their downfall. By painting nuclear arms as the key to peace and sovereignty, the regime justified the enormous cost and resources poured into their development. Meanwhile, cyber attacks opened new paths for obtaining wealth and information. Unable to compete openly in global markets, North Korean hackers targeted banks and businesses abroad. Cyber warfare allowed the regime to strike quietly, seizing resources without sending a single soldier across a border. Both nuclear and cyber capabilities broadened Kim’s strategic toolkit.
International efforts to curb North Korea’s nuclear ambitions often came through negotiation, sanctions, and deals. Time and again, Kim’s government entered talks promising to slow down enrichment or pause missile tests in exchange for aid or reduced sanctions. Yet, soon after securing benefits—like much-needed food or fuel—the regime would break its promises and resume testing. This pattern of showy diplomacy followed by quick betrayal frustrated other nations. It was a game Kim Jong-un played skillfully. He knew that foreign powers feared conflict and often preferred negotiation over escalation. By dangling the hope of peace and then snatching it away, he kept the world off-balance. Each restart of the nuclear program reminded everyone that Kim called the shots, and that no agreement could fully tame him.
The 2014 cyber attack on Sony Pictures, following the production of a satirical movie mocking Kim, revealed the regime’s willingness to hit back in unconventional ways. Suddenly, a Hollywood studio found itself exposed, its secrets scattered online. The message was loud and clear: Kim Jong-un would not tolerate mockery. He showed that his power extended into the digital realm, where traditional rules of warfare and diplomacy were blurry at best. This bold action sent shivers through foreign businesses and governments, proving that even from behind its high walls, North Korea could strike globally. By nurturing both nuclear might and cyber prowess, Kim Jong-un shaped a legacy as a leader who adapted old tactics and embraced new ones, ensuring that his regime remained both a mystery and a threat.
Chapter 6: Painting a Fairy-Tale Image: Pyonghattan, Tourism, and the Illusion of Modern Prosperity.
In stark contrast to North Korea’s grim reputation, Kim Jong-un tried to show the world and his own citizens a brighter face of his rule. Inside the capital city of Pyongyang, development projects aimed to present a gleaming picture of prosperity. Towering apartment buildings, modern shops, and entertainment facilities sprouted in carefully selected areas. Foreign visitors, diplomats, and journalists, when granted rare glimpses, saw a kind of staged modernity. Some called this transformation Pyonghattan for its skyscrapers and stylishly dressed citizens. Yet this well-groomed façade was limited to privileged neighborhoods and a small elite population. The regime hoped that these visible improvements, no matter how superficial, would shift the narrative away from hunger and isolation, persuading outsiders to believe that North Korea was evolving into a 21st-century state.
Kim Jong-un also championed projects beyond the capital. On the east coast, the seaside city of Wonsan gained new attractions—an airport, luxury hotels, a ski resort, and flashy department stores. These efforts aimed to hint that North Korea could welcome tourists, rivaling other international holiday destinations. Such investments were meant to impress foreigners and encourage limited business opportunities. Above all, they served as powerful propaganda tools, signaling that the leader’s policies were working. While ordinary North Koreans still faced scarce resources and depended heavily on foreign aid, the regime narrated a different story: that nuclear strength and well-chosen economic steps had ushered in better times. The idea was that, under Kim Jong-un, North Koreans could enjoy both security and modern comforts—if they remained loyal.
This illusion of prosperity tied into a concept known as byung-jin, the parallel development of nuclear weapons and the economy. According to state propaganda, nuclear bombs allowed North Korea to maintain independence and security, enabling domestic growth and improved living standards. Citizens were encouraged to recall the dark years of famine under Kim Jong-il and appreciate current improvements. While many understood the propaganda’s hollow nature, they had no choice but to nod along. Resistance risked severe punishment. Thus, byung-jin functioned as both a hope-filled slogan and a silent threat. Accept the leader’s vision, or be branded as disloyal to the nation. The carefully crafted appearances, from amusement parks to sleek high-rises, were stage props in a grand performance designed to reinforce Kim’s image of progress.
Yet beneath the glitter, countless North Koreans continued living in poverty. Outside Pyongyang’s polished avenues, residents lacked reliable electricity, proper nutrition, or medical care. The capital’s apparent modernity did not extend to rural villages. Few foreigners ever saw these places. The regime preferred them hidden, safely out of sight behind closed borders and blocked internet access. Despite flashy tourist zones and a handful of modern amenities, the majority of the population struggled to survive on meager rations. This disconnect between image and reality was a careful balancing act. Kim Jong-un wanted the world to consider the possibility that North Korea could be something other than a dark and backward dictatorship. At the same time, he desperately needed to sustain a fearful hold over his own people’s daily lives.
Chapter 7: Behind the Curtain of Modernity: Gulags, Surveillance, and the Machinery of Terror.
Just as a stage magician relies on hidden wires and trapdoors, Kim Jong-un’s regime depends on tools of terror hidden behind the scenes. The gleaming towers of Pyongyang stand in stark contrast to the grim reality of prison camps, or gulags, where an estimated 100,000 or more North Koreans toil. Inside these camps, people face unimaginable conditions. Forced labor, beatings, and starvation rations define daily life. Some prisoners are locked away for small acts of defiance—maybe a whispered complaint, a foreign newspaper hidden under a mattress, or simply having the wrong family ties. Others are guilty by association: if one family member displeases the state, the entire household can be punished. In these shadowy corners of the nation, hope withers as fear dominates every waking moment.
Beyond the camps, a pervasive surveillance system watches citizens’ behavior. Everyone is encouraged to report on each other. Neighbors who notice suspicious activities—like a person dressing too stylishly or failing to show proper respect to a state emblem—might report these crimes. In schools, workplaces, and residential blocks, informants ensure that any hint of resistance surfaces immediately. This creates an environment where trust is scarce. Friends hesitate to confide in each other, and families worry about what children might say outside the home. By keeping people afraid of each other, the regime maintains its power without firing a single bullet. The eyes and ears of the state are everywhere, and in such an atmosphere, even innocent remarks can lead to interrogation or punishment.
In some cases, the regime uses more direct methods to eliminate threats. High-profile assassinations serve as chilling warnings. The murder of Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-un’s half-brother, at a busy airport in Malaysia, was a striking example. Agents applied a deadly chemical nerve agent to his face, killing him rapidly and publicly. Why commit such a brazen act in a foreign country? To send a message that no dissident is safe, anywhere. Kim Jong-nam had criticized the regime and lived outside North Korea. His death signaled that Kim Jong-un would not tolerate even distant relatives voicing doubts. This willingness to use extreme violence reinforces the idea that the leader’s power knows no boundaries. Fear thus spreads like a poison through the ranks of officials and ordinary citizens alike.
These brutal methods protect the regime’s narrative that the Kim family is essential and irreplaceable. By crushing anyone who dares to question their authority, they tighten their grip on the country’s collective mind. The combination of visible improvements in select areas, quiet suffering in the countryside, and relentless surveillance ensures that the populace remains trapped in a dual reality. On one side, an image of progress and cultural vibrancy; on the other, the harsh truth of oppression and cruelty. This tension is not accidental. It helps the regime maintain power by keeping everyone off-balance. As North Koreans try to navigate a world where a small mistake can lead to terrible punishment, their fear cements the Kim dynasty’s control, ensuring that real rebellion remains only a distant fantasy.
Chapter 8: Silencing Rivals and Critics: Assassinations, Unspoken Threats, and the Cult of Fear.
For Kim Jong-un, power means never resting easy. Internal rivals, disgruntled elites, or would-be reformers must always be kept in check. The regime’s history shows that anyone can fall out of favor overnight. Official portraits vanish from offices, biographies are rewritten, and trusted figures turn into traitors at the snap of a finger. While external enemies serve as convenient scapegoats, internal dissenters pose a greater danger. They understand the system from within and might inspire others to push for change. Kim Jong-un, aware of how his father and grandfather dealt with internal threats, deploys similar tactics. He makes examples of people who deviate, ensuring that fear courses through the veins of high-ranking officials who might otherwise challenge him. This is the language of silent terror.
The dramatic removal of powerful figures, some of them close relatives, is no accident. When stories of purges reach the ears of party members and military generals, they spark caution and obedience. Nobody wants to share the fate of a disgraced official who once stood at the leader’s right hand. This creates a culture where loyalty is performed in exaggerated ways: thunderous applause at speeches, tears and wails at state funerals, and over-the-top praise in everyday conversation. Such displays might seem absurd, but they serve a vital function. They prove to Kim Jong-un that his underlings fear him enough to act out their devotion. In this environment, authenticity disappears, and survival becomes a matter of presenting the correct face at all times.
The assassination of Kim Jong-nam was not the only instance of Kim Jong-un’s deadly resolve. Other officials and family members have been removed more quietly, disappearing into unknown fates. Some whisper that chemical or biological weapons could be used again if needed. The regime’s willingness to deploy highly controlled substances—agents that kill silently or cause lingering, mysterious illnesses—deepens the sense of unpredictability. Who can guess how far Kim Jong-un is willing to go? The uncertainty itself is a weapon, instilling dread in the hearts of anyone who might consider stepping out of line. Political life under Kim is like walking a tightrope over a pit of snakes, with no safety net and no second chances once you stumble.
These extreme acts reinforce the idea that Kim Jong-un will do anything to protect his grip on power. It is not about ideological purity or building a kinder society; it is about enforcing obedience and eliminating alternatives. By demonstrating he is both capable of modernizing the cityscape and ordering deadly strikes against his own kin, Kim shows that no moral boundary will stop him. This is the chilling reality: behind the cheerful images of roller coasters and modern architecture, stands a man who commands with fear and bloodshed. Every shock, every disappearance, and every calculated murder teaches the people, from high-ranking elites to farmers in distant villages, that resistance is futile. This understanding cements Kim Jong-un’s authority and guarantees that few dare to challenge him openly.
Chapter 9: Diplomacy on Display: Summits, Symbolic Gestures, and Kim Jong-un’s Quest for Legitimacy.
As sanctions squeezed North Korea’s economy and pressure mounted from abroad, Kim Jong-un understood that he needed new tactics. Instead of solely relying on threats, nuclear tests, and bold cyber strikes, he began exploring diplomatic gestures. In 2018, the world watched as he met South Korean President Moon Jae-in at the Demilitarized Zone. The two leaders shook hands, smiled, and even strolled together beneath trees. For a brief moment, the DMZ shifted from a symbol of hostility into a stage for cautious hope. This event surprised many. After decades of strained relations, a North Korean leader had crossed the line into South Korea. Although heavily choreographed, it suggested that Kim Jong-un could embrace a gentler persona, seeking a carefully managed thaw in long-frozen relations.
But appearances can be deceiving. While these meetings grabbed headlines, skeptics understood that Kim’s goal was not to renounce his power or abandon his nuclear arsenal. Instead, he aimed to gain concessions—like the lifting of sanctions—without giving up too much in return. By engaging with world leaders, Kim tried to shape the narrative that North Korea was open to dialogue and progress. This approach, he hoped, would reduce international isolation and perhaps attract more investment or aid. Moreover, diplomacy allowed him to claim he was securing peace and prosperity for his people. Domestically, this narrative played well. It reinforced the image that Kim’s leadership, backed by nuclear weapons, had forced the world to acknowledge North Korea’s interests and treat it as a respected player.
Internationally, these summits tested how other leaders would respond. For instance, the much-anticipated meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump stirred global fascination. The first encounter took place in Singapore in 2018, and another followed in Vietnam in 2019. Each time, cameras flashed, and commentators debated the meaning of every handshake and smile. Some believed these talks could lead to peace and denuclearization, while others warned it was a carefully staged performance. To Kim, sitting alongside the American president was a way to appear equal. He positioned himself as a statesman who could negotiate with the leader of a superpower. Even if no substantial deal emerged, the photo opportunities served his interests. They sent a message to his people that he commanded international respect.
Yet the results were, at best, underwhelming. No sweeping peace treaty materialized. North Korea made modest, easily reversible gestures—like closing a test site—without surrendering its precious nuclear arsenal. This pattern echoed past tactics, where engagement produced temporary benefits, but lasting change remained elusive. Critics argued that Trump’s approach oversimplified the situation, failing to account for Kim’s deeply entrenched motivations. From Kim’s perspective, nuclear weapons guaranteed regime survival. Why trade them away cheaply? As time passed, the initial excitement faded. Nevertheless, these diplomatic flurries allowed Kim to claim that he was not the world’s villain but a rational leader open to fair deals. This balancing act between showy friendliness and underlying defiance became another tool in Kim’s vast arsenal of power tactics.
Chapter 10: Charting a More Realistic Strategy: Pressures, Alliances, and Rational Engagement with Kim Jong-un.
For many observers, the global community’s attempts to deal with Kim Jong-un have felt like an endless puzzle. Sanctions, negotiations, and public condemnation have achieved limited success in forcing real reforms. North Korea still has its nuclear weapons, and the regime’s grip on power remains firm. Some experts argue that world leaders must approach Kim with a more nuanced understanding. Instead of seeing him as a cartoonish figure or dismissing him as irrational, they suggest treating him as a strategic actor who calculates costs and benefits. Kim values his regime’s survival above all else, and he considers nuclear weapons essential to that goal. Understanding this perspective is the first step toward shaping policies that might influence his decisions more effectively.
A more refined approach would focus on building robust alliances. The United States, South Korea, and Japan could coordinate closely, presenting a united front. Together, they might devise a range of responses to North Korea’s actions, from tightened sanctions to carefully offered incentives. If Kim sees that the international community stands firm and cannot be divided by hollow promises, he may be more inclined to reconsider his risky strategies. The idea is to show him that nuclear weapons bring not only security but also persistent economic hardship and missed opportunities. Over time, consistent pressure combined with carefully targeted rewards might encourage him to make meaningful concessions. The goal is not a quick, dramatic breakthrough, but gradual progress that reduces the risk of conflict.
Maintaining strong cooperation among allies requires trust, patience, and a long-term vision. Each leader must reassure the others that they will not be swayed by empty gestures. Clear communication and shared planning ensure that Kim cannot pit one ally against another. The more unified the approach, the harder it becomes for North Korea to exploit differences. Should Kim realize that economic relief, better trade relations, and a brighter future for his country depend on meeting certain conditions, he might adjust course. Though there is no guarantee of success, treating him as a rational player who weighs outcomes might yield better results than belittling him as childish or impulsive. Careful, steady policies could gradually alter the balance of incentives and push the regime toward restraint.
Ultimately, the world must accept that North Korea’s nuclear program cannot vanish overnight. Instant miracles are rare in international politics. Real change often arises from sustained effort, strategic patience, and delicate negotiations. Strengthening alliances, maintaining consistent pressure, and ensuring that Kim Jong-un faces a united global community can slowly reshape his calculations. While Kim may never fully open his country or abandon his arsenal, incremental steps might lower tensions and reduce the risk of war. Each careful move can pave the way for modest improvements, benefiting not only concerned neighbors but also North Koreans themselves. Recognizing Kim’s rationality is the first step. By doing so, global powers acknowledge that the path to meaningful progress lies in understanding what drives him and responding with firm but measured strategies.
All about the Book
Discover the profound journey of Kim Jong Un from youth to power in ‘Becoming Kim Jong Un’. This insightful analysis reveals his complex character and influences, providing clarity on North Korea’s political landscape and its global implications.
Jung H. Pak is a prominent North Korea expert and former CIA analyst, renowned for her insightful analyses and contributions to understanding the regime’s politics, security, and international relations.
Political Analysts, Historians, Journalists, International Relations Scholars, Security Experts
Political Literature, World Politics, History Buffing, Current Events Commentary, Cultural Studies
North Korean Leadership Dynamics, Nuclear Proliferation, International Relations, Human Rights Violations
Understanding Kim Jong Un is key to predicting North Korea’s future and navigating its complexities.
Barack Obama, Fareed Zakaria, Malcolm Nance
2021 International Book Award for Political Commentary, 2021 American Library Association Notable Books, 2021 Pulitzer Prize Nominee
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