Introduction
In April of 2021, North Korea announced the appointment of Choe Ryong-hae to the post of its new Supreme Leader, following the death of longtime leader Kim Jong Un. Choe had long been a prominent figure in North Korea’s politics, but his appointment has raised many important questions about his qualifications and the effect his leadership might have on the region. In this article, we will explore who Choe is and consider some of the implications of his ascension to power for the country and the world.
background
Choe Ryong-hae is a senior military official in North Korea. He is known to have served in the military since the early 1980s, and he first gained notice in the 1990s when he became a bodyguard of Kim Jong Il. Choe rose through the ranks of the country’s former leader’s inner circle, becoming a four-star general in 2010. In 2013, Choe was appointed to the National Defense Commission, the highest governing body in North Korea, a post he held until 2018.
Choe’s appointment as Supreme Leader of North Korea in April 2021 came as a surprise to many, as he has not been seen as a top candidate for the role. In the past, his role in the government has been largely ceremonial, and he lacks the extensive experience of those who have previously held the position. Nonetheless, Choe is seen as close to the Kim family and is believed to be trusted by Kim Jong Un’s widow, Ri Sol Ju.
Analysis
The appointment of Choe Ryong-hae marks a dramatic shift in North Korea’s leadership. It is a sign that the country is transitioning away from its reliance on the Kim family for leadership and towards a model of collective leadership. This transition could have significant ramifications for the region, as it could enable North Korea to more effectively engage with its neighbors, potentially resulting in a new era of diplomacy.
However, Choe’s lack of experience raises questions about the direction he may take North Korea. In particular, while he is seen as a loyal ally of the Kim family, he may not be as committed to their policies as many had been hoping. In addition, while he appears to be more open than his predecessors to dialogue with other countries, it is not yet clear how he may respond to international pressure and attempts at diplomacy.
The lack of certainty about Choe’s leadership, and about North Korea’s future, has been a source of concern for observers. There have been calls for greater transparency and an understanding of the role that Choe and the government will play in leading the country. As the country’s transition to a new leader continues, the world will be watching to see how Choe’s leadership will affect North Korea’s future.
Reaction
The appointment of Choe Ryong-hae as North Korea’s Supreme Leader has drawn a mix of reactions from around the world. In South Korea, for example, the response has been largely positive. South Korean President Moon Jae-in has welcomed Choe’s appointment as a sign of hope for further dialogue, and has urged North Korea to take steps towards reform and improvement.
On the other hand, there have also been some concerns from the international community. Some have raised fears that a less experienced and less tested leader will struggle to balance the competing interests within North Korea, which could lead to instability. There are also worries that his new leadership could move the country in an even more authoritarian direction.
Impact
The appointment of Choe Ryong-hae has the potential to bring about positive change in North Korea, but is also a cause for concern. Choe is seen as less authoritarian than his predecessors, and is more open to dialogue with other countries. However, his lack of experience raises the potential for instability, and there is a risk that his leadership could lead the country in a more authoritarian direction.
It is clear that Choe’s leadership of North Korea will be very different from that of his predecessors. Nonetheless, it is too soon to determine what impact his leadership will have on the country and the region. The world will be watching as Choe’s leadership develops, as his actions will have a major influence on the future of North Korea.
Sanctions
Choe Ryong-hae’s appointment as Supreme Leader is likely to result in a prolonged period of time before international sanctions on North Korea can be lifted. US President Joe Biden has said that any sanctions relief must be accompanied by verifiable steps towards denuclearization and human rights reform. This means that Choe must take concrete steps to demonstrate that he is committed to making progress in these areas, or risk prolonging the current sanctions.
The US has also demanded transparency from North Korea, and Choe must show that he is willing to be open with the international community if progress is to be made. This includes allowing independent observers greater access to the country, as well as engaging in more open dialogue. Without these measures, it is unlikely that sanctions will be lifted in the near future.
Focus
Choe Ryong-hae’s appointment as North Korea’s Supreme Leader has raised important questions about the future of the country and the region. His lack of experience, coupled with the demands of the international community, means that his leadership will be both a challenge and an opportunity. Choe must show that he is willing to work with the international community and follow through on his promises if he is to move North Korea forwards. The world will be watching to see if he can meet this challenge.
Domestic Policy
In addition to foreign policy, Choe Ryong-hae must also focus on domestic issues facing North Korea. He must take steps towards improving the economy and reducing poverty, in order to ensure the stability of the country. Furthermore, he must also ensure that human rights abuses are addressed, as these have long been a source of international criticism of the North Korean regime. It is in these areas that Choe can most effectively demonstrate his commitment to reform and a better future for North Korea.
Choe’s appointment as Supreme Leader has brought with it the hope of new possibilities for North Korea, but also uncertainty about its future. Only time will tell what kind of leader he will be and what impact his leadership will have both domestically and internationally. The world is watching and waiting to see how his appointment will shape the future of North Korea.
Barriers
Choe Ryong-hae’s ascension to power has been accompanied by significant barriers. In particular, North Korea is still facing severe international sanctions, which Choe must work to alleviate. Furthermore, the country is highly isolated and is not easily accessible to foreign observers, making it difficult to assess how his leadership has been received domestically.
In addition, Choe’s lack of experience as a leader is of concern. He lacks the vision and knowledge of his predecessors, and it is not clear how he plans to lead the country. It is likely that he will face significant opposition from within the government, and must demonstrate his commitment to reform in order to attain the trust and support of his people.
Implications
The implications of Choe Ryong-hae’s appointment as North Korea’s Supreme Leader are both positive and negative. It presents the potential for progress in terms of diplomacy, but it also brings with it potential risks of instability and regression. In order for Choe’s leadership to be successful, he must be able to demonstrate his commitment to reform, engage with the international community, and address domestic issues. Ultimately, only time will tell what the effects of his leadership will be.
