Kim Jong-il: The Former Leader Of North Korea
Kim Jong-il was the leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) from 1994 until his death in 2011. He was the son of Kim Il-sung, the nation’s first leader, and succeeded him after his death. Kim had inherited the position from his father and was seen as the continuation of the Kim dynasty. From his father’s ideology-centric rule, he shifted the focus to a combination of his hard-line politics, economic control and personality cult. During his rule, Kim became one of the most reclusive and unpredictable leaders of modern times.
Kim’s tyrannical rule kept the North Korean people in poverty and constant fear. His policies focused on the nuclear armament and production of ballistic missiles, a strategy which made the US and South Korea highly uneasy. Despite his authoritarianism and aggression, he was an extravagant figure, known for his personal luxury, including private jets and a love of fine food and expensive cognac.
Until 2013, North Korea still held its own monarch-like control. Political analysts suggested that Kim Jong-il was a brutal but also masterly political strategist who was able to keep his own people in fear and the region on edge. Even though his government was very much in charge, there were some signs of economic reforms during his rule. For example, a few foreign investors had permission to invest in the country with varying success.
When Kim Jong-il died in 2011, the power was assumed by his son, Kim Jong-un. Although Kim Jong-il had appointed his own brother-in-law as the new leader, Kim Jong-un had managed to build a strong base of supporters, as well as strong alliances with Russia and China. Kim Jong-un is now the leader of North Korea, but his rule so far has been even more unpredictable than his father’s. He has already caused tensions in the Korean Peninsula, engaging in a series of missile tests and nuclear threats.
Foreign Aid and Humanitarian Crises During Kim Jong-il’s Rule
The North Korean people are suffering from one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the world. Kim Jong-il was the leader when the country faced its worst famine, due to poor agricultural techniques, poor access to health services, a lack of infrastructure and ineffective central planning policies. The late leader’s policy of self-reliance meant that foreign aid was largely not accepted by his rule.
This famine led to the death of an estimated three million people and a widening of the gap between the rich and the poor and the rural and urban populations of the country. The economic crisis also resulted in an escalation of tensions on the Korean peninsula as the leaders were hesitant to open the borders for foreign aid.
Kim Jong-il also faced international criticism for the resources he devoted to the military, particularly in the nuclear and missile programs. His constant threats of military action towards South Korea, Japan and other countries, led to increased international sanctions against the country. Despite his willingness to engage in dialogue over de-nuclearization and other international issues, Kim’s policy of nuclear provocation, and the limited progress achieved in the process, was seen as unsuccessful.
Together, the economic and humanitarian crises worsened during Kim Jong-il’s rule, resulting in an even more divided nation now than before. For example, the gap between the rich and the poor has widened even further, and the people, especially those from the lower classes, suffer from malnutrition and lack of access to basic needs such as clean water and electricity.
Domestic Political Crackdown During Kim Jong-il’s Rule
Under Kim Jong-il’s rule, North Korea has become one of the most repressive states in the world. He continued his father’s rule of harsh punishments, secret police, and oppressive labor camps. In order to consolidate his power, Kim was ruthless in his approach and anyone who questioned his authority or disagreed with him was purged.
He tightened his grip over the media and the public, ensuring that only favorable propaganda of his rule was broadcast or printed. Dissenting opinion and media freedom were completely repressed. All newspapers, radio programs, and TV shows were solely devoted to praising Kim, his administration, and rule.
His government strictly monitored citizens for any signs of dissent or criticism. Any conversations which were deemed to be critical of the state were classified as ‘anti-state activities’ which had severe punishments. Citizens were heavily censored regarding their political opinions, even in private. This was done out of fear that any criticism of the government would be quickly disseminated and mutate into a full-scale revolution.
The government also attempted to control citizens through the spread of propaganda. Kim Jong-il fed North Korean citizens with a daily dosage of worship, effectively creating an idol-like cult of personality. Through these techniques he was able to control any thoughts of dissent and punish any individuals that spoke out against his rule. He also increased his authority by enforcing a songun (military first) policy, backed by a large military.
International Responses To Kim Jong-il’s Rule
Kim Jong-il’s rule was met with international condemnation for its human rights abuses, violations of international law and provocative rhetoric. The United Nations Human Rights Council has examined and condemned North Korea for multiple human rights violations, in particular for what it terms by “systematic, widespread, and gross violations of human rights”.
The US and South Korea placed multiple sanctions and conducted numerous negotiations in an effort to contain the North Korean nuclear disarmanent program. Through the Six Party Talks in Beijing, a framework was established in 2003 to pressure North Korea to disarm and end its isolationism. After Kim Jong-il’s death, tensions with the West increased and negotiations over disarmament reached a stalemate.
Kim Jong-il reached out to the international community, developing relationships with Russia and China and signing several agreements, such as the 2004 high-level Cooperation Agreement with Russia, which established close economic and trade relations. However, despite these attempts to reach out to the international community, Kim’s rule was met with global hostility and fear due to his oppressive policies.
Domestic Reactions To Kim Jong-il’s Rule
The views of North Korean citizens towards Kim Jong-il’s rule were mixed. Though a large portion of the public feared and repressed his rule, a large portion also made attempts to make their lives more bearable by taking advantage of foreign funds that allowed some North Korean citizens to make small businesses.
Kim Jong-il was seen as a beloved figure by many North Koreans, most of whom had grown up under his leadership. While the media echoed little more than the success of the regime and North Korean socialism, citizens placed hope in the improvements and changes that would come with Kim’s rule.
Most citizens had grown up under Kim’s rule, so the media’s idealized image of the leader found footing in the population. At his death, many citizens mourned his death and believed that his rule had improved their lives. Moreover, his death had exacerbated the economic crisis which had been experienced in the country for years.
International Impact Of Kim Jong-il’s Rule
Kim Jong-il’s rule had profound effects in the international sphere. On the one hand, his government caused anxiety and fear through their persistent threats of escalating tensions on the Korean Peninsula. On the other hand, North Korea’s pursuit of nuclear weapons caused other countries to view the state as an enemy in the eyes of the world and brought attention to the humanitarian situation in the state.
Kim Jong-il’s rule of North Korea increased the nuclear insecurity of the region, made the US and South Korea highly uneasy and increased the military expenditure of many countries in the region. Also, the continuous threat of a missile attack created the need for nations in the region to increase their defense budgets and invest in anti-missile defense systems.
Heavy international sanctions targeted the North Korean economy and made it more difficult for citizens to access food and other basic goods. Kim Jong-il’s refusal to accept foreign aid, as part of his government’s policy of self-reliance, worsened the situation. The international community’s attempts to negotiate an end to the nuclear crisis through diplomatic channels such as the Six-party Talks ultimately failed to prevent North Korea from obtaining a nuclear arsenal.
The Legacy Of Kim Jong-il’s Rule
Kim Jong-il has left a difficult legacy on North Korea. His autocratic rule drove the country to isolation and a state of permanent economic crisis and instability. He maintained strict control over the government and media, and disallowed any criticism of his policies. Furthermore, his hard-line attitude towards international diplomacy and nuclear armament increased tensions with the international community and worsened the humanitarian crisis in the country.
Despite his oppressive policies and difficult rule, Kim Jong-il managed to maintain a strong grip on power through fear and propaganda and entrenched dynastic rule. By placing strict control over citizens and constantly offering propaganda, Kim was successful in pacifying the people and preventing any large-scale rebellion. His untimely death created a leadership vacuum in North Korea and ushered in a new era of political and economic uncertainty in the region.
