North Korea is a Communist country that has been headed by the Kim regime since the Korean War. It is one of the most secretive societies in the world and, consequently, it is difficult to accurately gauge what’s happening within its borders. Despite its history of international isolation and its refusal to collaborate with the rest of the world, there have been some changes in the lead-up to 2021.
Since 2017, North Korea has made some attempts at reforming its economy and opening up to global trade. For example, leader Kim Jong-un has initiated a series of economic and diplomatic reforms, such as permitting foreign direct investment and joining the World Trade Organization. He has also actively courted investment from countries such as China and South Korea.
At the same time, the country has pursued an aggressive arms development program, continuing to build conventional military forces and nuclear missiles. In March 2018, North Korea even invited international journalists to witness its dismantling of a nuclear testing site, a sign that it was willing to reduce its nuclear ambitions.
Despite the economic reforms, North Korea has not completely abandoned its isolationist stance. The country remains closed off to most of the world and, as a result, foreign companies and individuals are cut off from conducting business or travelling to North Korea. This also means that news travels slowly, as restrictions on media access and communication make it difficult to know what is happening inside the country.
The government has also intensified its domestic suppression tactics, such as imposing harsh prison sentences on citizens deemed to be critical of the regime. In recent years, North Korea has enforced a strict censorship policy on media consumption and shut down access to the internet and outside information sources.
Finally, North Korea has actively pursued more international outreach. In 2019, Kim Jong-un has engaged in high-level talks with South Korean president Moon Jae-in and US president Donald Trump. Although there have been no concrete progress made in terms of denuclearization or peace talks, the talks have provided a platform for the leaders to discuss their countries’ positions and issues.
North Korea and the United Nations
North Korea’s relationship with the United Nations has always been strained, but in recent years it has become increasingly hostile. In 2016, the United Nations issued stern sanctions against North Korea for its nuclear ambitions, and the country continues to violate international laws such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
These tensions have been further exacerbated by North Korea’s missile tests and its repeated refusals to participate in United Nations Security Council meetings. North Korea has also recently denounced United Nations investigations into its human rights abuses, claiming that they are politically motivated.
In spite of this hostility, some international organisations, such as the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), have expressed a desire to work with North Korea to reduce the risk of nuclear war. In 2020, ICAN advocated a peace strategy based on dialogue, confidence-building measures, and an end to nuclear testing.
However, it appears that North Korea is unwilling to compromise in its stance towards the United Nations, and that sanctions currently remain the only means of discouraging it from developing nuclear weapons.
Economic Concerns
Much of North Korea’s financial strain is due to the sanctions imposed by the United Nations, but the country also suffers from internal problems. North Korea maintains a command economy which relies heavily on government subsidies to maintain living standards. This system is extremely inefficient, and many basic goods are in short supply.
In addition, the country’s main export, coal, has taken a hit from the recent trend of countries phasing out its use. This has led to a grave economic situation in North Korea, and the country is in dire need of foreign investment. Despite Kim Jong-un’s efforts to court international investors, there has been little progress in this regard.
There are also concerns about the government’s handling of the economy. The government has shown reluctance to initiate much-needed economic reforms, such as the abolition of price controls or the introduction of market forces. This has led to a stagnant economy, with little chance for growth or investment in the future.
Experts agree that North Korea’s economic woes will continue to worsen in the near future, absent meaningful reforms or improved relations with the international community.
The Impact of South Korea
South Korea has long been a thorn in North Korea’s side, but the two countries have recently taken steps towards reconciliation. In 2018, their leaders met in Panmunjom, where they signed a joint statement committing to peace and reunification.
In 2020, the two countries took another step forward with the signing of a military agreement which sees the demilitarisation of part of the border. Meanwhile, South Korea has promised to invest in North Korea’s economy and infrastructure, and has sent numerous aid packages to the country.
These efforts have had a positive impact on the North Korean population. South Korean entertainers and businesspeople have been permitted to visit the country, and South Korean goods are becoming increasingly popular among North Koreans. Popular South Korean TV dramas are watched with enthusiasm by those with access to TV and the internet.
However, the two countries remain divided politically, and the threat of war continues to loom. Concerns have been raised about the level of trust between the two leaders, and whether North Korea can be trusted to uphold its end of the agreements.
Discrimination Against Women
Discrimination against women is endemic in North Korea, with women traditionally expected to follow roles prescribed by the state. Women are pressured to conform to traditional gender roles, and to take up subservient roles in society. The male-dominated government and the military actively discourage female participation in decision-making processes.
This discrimination manifests itself in a variety of ways, from being denied access to certain roles and professions, to being subject to discrimination in the workplace and in daily life. Women are also denied many basic rights, such as the right to seek medical advice or to travel abroad.
The situation is particularly dire in North Korean prisons, where women are subject to extreme levels of abuse and torture. Women are said to be particularly vulnerable in the prison system, and are regularly subjected to sexual violence and forced labour.
Although Kim Jong-un’s regime has taken some steps in recent years to improve women’s rights, it is evident that much more needs to be done. Specialist women’s organisations have raised the issue of gender equality in North Korea, but have made little headway in a male-dominated political system.
Access to Information
Access to information is severely restricted in North Korea. Internet access is limited, and citizens are subject to severe censorship; all media consumed in the country is heavily monitored by the government and regimens of thought control are enforced.
In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of North Koreans fleeing the country in search of a better life. However, these refugees face a multitude of obstacles, not least the fact that most are unaware of the opportunities available in other countries. They are often unable to access the information they need to make informed decisions about their future.
In an effort to get around these restrictions, citizens have resorted to smuggling mobile phones and other technology from abroad. This has allowed them to gain access to information beyond the country’s borders, but it also carries with it a high risk. Those caught in possession of illegal technology face severe punishment, including imprisonment.
The lack of access to information also limits North Koreans’ access to information about their own country. International organisations and academics have begun to focus on the issue in recent years, in an effort to bring transparency to the secretive state.
Outlook for the Future
It is difficult to predict what the future holds for North Korea. The country’s relations with the outside world are strained, and tensions between the two Koreas remain high. Against the backdrop of increasing global uncertainty and the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that the North Korean situation is far from stable.
The situation looks bleak, but it is not without hope. There are small signs that suggest the country is moving towards a more open and tolerant society. The international community must act to encourage North Korea to take further steps in the right direction. Only through increased dialogue and collaboration can we hope to move towards peace in the Korean peninsula.
