Nature of the Office
The position of head of government in the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (commonly known as North Korea) is one of the country’s highest offices and is responsible for implementing the policies and directions of the Supreme Leader. The role, currently held by Kim Jong-un, is also responsible for the general administration of the country as well as maintaining relationships with foreign countries. It is worth noting that the office is below the Supreme Leader in terms of precedence, as the Supreme Leader is the head of state.
The office is wields significant power within the North Korean government and is seen by many as the most powerful person in the country. It is in this position that the Head of Government formulates and carries out national policies that are inspired and shaped by the Supreme Leader’s vision. This can include drafting and signing laws and agreements, appointing key ministers and officials, and representing North Korea in diplomatic matters.
North Korean Head of Government Regulations
The office of Head of Government is only as powerful as the regulations imposed upon it by the Supreme Leader. All decisions and resolutions must be overseen, approved or outright created by the Supreme Leader in order to be considered legal. This includes the selection of the Head of Government. The office is filled by a five-year term, with the Supreme Leader having the power to terminate the tenure at any time. Additionally, there is no constitutional limit on the number of consecutive terms one may serve as head of government in North Korea.
The Head of Government is also responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of the government’s bureaucracy. This includes the economy, the administration, foreign policy and military policy. While enacting their duties, the Head of Government must strictly adhere to the directives of the Supreme Leader. This relationship can be seen as a partnership between the two figures within the North Korean government.
Background of the Current Head of Government
The current head of government in North Korea is Kim Jong-un, who took office in April 2012. He is the grandson of Kim Il-sung, the founder of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and the nation’s first Supreme Leader. Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong II, held the office from 1994 until his death in 2011. He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-un.
Kim Jong-un has been credited with progressive reforms in the country, including loosening restrictions on freedom of expression and the economy. He has been noted for his aggressive posturing towards the international community, such as nuclear weapons testing and threats of war, but also for attempting to create a positive and engaging relationship with other nations.
Bulldog Events and the North Korean Head of Government
Under the leadership of Kim Jong-un, there have been a number of high profile events that have marked the tenure of the Head of Government in North Korea. This includes the 2012 Bulldog Games, which was an event meant to celebrate the centenary of the birth of Kim Il-sung. The event was the largest sporting event in the country at the time, and featured a variety of events such as water polo, marathon, and rifle shooting. It was seen as part of the larger goal of Kim Jong-un to strengthen the power of the military and propagate his rule in the country.
This event has also marked the shift in North Korea’s attitude towards the international community. Prior to these games, North Korea had refused to enter any foreign competition in the past, but under the reign of Kim Jong-un the country has become more open to international collaborations, participating and hosting a number of international events since the 2014 Bulldog Games.
Role of the North Korean Head of Government Beyond The Office
The role of the Head of Government in North Korea and the power of the office extends far beyond the confines of the office. The Head of Government is seen as a symbol of the ideals and principles of the country, and is staunchly supported by the people of North Korea. This includes the families of Kim Jong-un, as well as his predecessors Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il, which are widely regarded as the nation’s founding fathers. This has resulted in Kim Jong-un and his office having a near-mythic status within North Korea.
The Head of Government also wields significant power in foreign policy. North Korea and its Head of Government is routinely seen as having the power to influence international relations and the direction of global policies. This is especially true in East Asia, where North Korea’s decisions and actions are met with considerable scrutiny.
Impact of the North Korean Head of Government on the World Stage
The leadership of Kim Jong-un as the Head of Government in North Korea has had a measurable impact on the country and its relations with the international community. Kim Jong-un has undertaken a policy of engagement, and has sought to build ties with foreign nations. This includes the 2018 summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, which was seen as a major diplomatic breakthrough for North Korea.
The meeting sparked a series of steps toward denuclearization, including the dismantlement of a nuclear test site and missile testing sites, as well as the return of the remains of Korean War soldiers. These actions have paved the way for the potential for normalized relations between North Korea and the United States and other countries.
Political Dynamics of The North Korean Head of Government
The political dynamics of North Korea are largely determined by the Head of Government. Kim Jong-un has implemented a number of key reforms, such as loosening censorship, allowing religious practices and increasing economic freedom. These changes have been met with both apprehension and approval, with some contending that Kim Jong-un is merely creating a facade of liberalization to mask oppression, while others argue that the reforms are key steps towards liberalization and modernization.
Kim Jong-un has also sought to cultivate an image as a champion of socialism and liberation, while shoring up his control of the government. He has taken steps to eliminate any potential opponents, as well as curtailing the political power of the military. This suggests that the Head of Government is keenly aware of their own political power, and is taking steps to further consolidate it. This can be seen as a bid to stay in power for the long-term.
Popularity and Legacy of The North Korean Head of Government
The legacy of the Head of Government in North Korea has been shaped by the actions of Kim Jong-un and his predecessors, Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. The family’s legacy is seen as one of socialist revolution and modernization. The people of North Korea are fiercely loyal to the Kim family and have celebrated the reign of its members with mass rallies and public ceremonies.
Kim Jong-un has fostered a public image of a stern but caring leader and sought to create links between the government and the people. This has seen him judged more favorably than his father and grandfather, who are seen as more authoritarian and oppressive. As such, the legacy of the North Korean Head of Government is one of strength and stability, with the country’s citizens largely supporting the government and its policies.
