History of North Korea
North Korea is an authoritarian state that has been ruled by the Kim family since the 1950s. It is one of the most isolated countries in the world, and is subject to very tight international sanctions. North Korea is run by a Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un, and is maintained by a tight political structure known as the ‘Monolithic Leadership System’. This system has created an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty, where citizens are controlled through propaganda, extreme surveillance and censorship.
This structure has been in place since the midst of the Korean War, when Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-un’s grandfather, assumed power of the country. Since then the power line has been inherited through the family and extended to many of the top military officials.
Kim Yong-chol
Kim Yong-chol, who is believed to be the second in command within North Korea, is the former head of North Korea’s main intelligence agency, the Reconnaissance General Bureau (RGB). He has been a part of the North Korean regime since he was appointed as the commander of the North Korean Army in 1999.
He has also been involved with many of North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs and has been dubbed the mastermind behind many of North Korea’s failed missile tests. He is seen as one of the most powerful men in North Korea and is close to the Supreme Leader, Kim Jong-un.
Despite his major role in North Korea’s military and diplomatic efforts, he remains a largely mysterious figure and is rarely seen in public.
Role of the Second in Command
The role of the second in command in North Korea is to act as both the official deputy to the Supreme Leader and as his principal adviser. They are expected to exercise a great deal of influence over the policies and actions of the government, as well as providing guidance to those in the highest positions of power.
The second in command is also responsible for carrying out tasks outside of the country, such as conducting diplomatic negotiations and promoting North Korea’s interests in other countries. Kim Yong-chol has been heavily involved in developing deals with South Korean officials, as well as negotiating on behalf of North Korean leaders in meetings with foreign leaders.
Relations with South Korea and the United States
Kim Yong-chol has been involved in negotiations with South Korea and the United States on behalf of North Korea. He was the first North Korean to meet with the US President, Donald Trump, in Singapore in 2018.
Kim Yong-chol has also been in charge of North Korea’s diplomatic relations with South Korea. He was instrumental in helping to arrange the historic summit between North and South Korea in 2018. He has also been behind North Korea’s recent efforts to repair its ties with the international community.
Views of North Korea’s Second in Command
Experts believe that Kim Yong-chol is seen as a powerful and influential figure within North Korea and is essential to Kim Jong-un’s plans for maintaining stability and power. He is seen as more pragmatic and open to new ideas than other senior North Korean figures, as well as being loyal to the Supreme Leader.
However, many experts have noted that his role in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program may mean that Kim Yong-chol is less keen on reform and openness than some believe. He is also believed to exert a great deal of influence over North Korean policy, and has been described as the ‘architect’ of the Kim regime.
Impact on Foreign Policy and International Relations
Kim Yong-chol’s influence on North Korean foreign policy has had a strong impact on the country’s relations with the international community. He has played a key role in forging North Korea’s new identity as a member of the international community, and has been involved in many of the diplomatic breakthroughs that have been achieved in recent years.
His presence at the Singapore summit was seen as a major sign of progress, and his involvement in the South Korean peace process has been widely praised. He is also seen as a key figure in maintaining the diplomatic links between North Korea and the United States.
Implications
Kim Yong-chol’s role in North Korea has been crucial in helping to open the country to the world. His efforts to bring about peace with the South and to build closer ties with the United States have been widely lauded. He is seen as a key figure in maintaining the stability and security of the North Korean regime, and his influence shows no signs of waning.
However, his continued involvement in North Korea’s nuclear weapons program is a cause for concern, and is seen as a major obstacle to any diplomatic progress with the United States. As long as Kim Yong-chol remains in power, it is unlikely that the United States and North Korea will be able to reach a lasting agreement.
Role in Denuclearization
Kim Yong-chol has been closely involved in recent negotiations regarding the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. He has been instrumental in progressing talks between the United States and North Korea and is believed to be a driving force behind North Korea’s commitment to denuclearize.
He has also been present at meetings between North and South Korean leaders, and is seen as one of the prime mover’s within the peace process. Many experts believe that his influence and sway over North Korea’s policies has been crucial in helping the two Koreas to agree on terms for a peace treaty.
Personality and Character Traits
Kim Yong-chol is widely seen as an ambitious, determined and ruthless military leader. He is also seen as a skilled negotiator and has been able to use his tactical skills to help develop deals with foreign counterparts. His loyalty to the Kim regime is also thought to be unwavering, and he is believed to be fiercely loyal to the Supreme Leader.
Despite his reputation, Kim Yong-chol is also thought to be mild-mannered, and many have praised his diplomatic skills. His talks with foreign leaders have been seen as an effective way of easing tensions and fostering a more peaceful relationship between North Korea and its neighbours.
Conclusion
Kim Yong-chol is one of the most influential figures in North Korea and is seen as the main adviser to the Supreme Leader. His role in negotiating with foreign powers and maintaining diplomatic relations is crucial for North Korea, and his influence has helped create a new relationship with the rest of the world. He is seen as a powerful and ambitious leader who is willing to take risks in order to achieve his goals, but who is also loyal to the Kim regime.
