Sejong Policy Series

Changes and Prospects of Economic Legislation under the Kim Jong-un Administration

Date 2022-08-08 View 1,110

 

Since the Kim Jong-un administration, North Korea has been pushing for continuous changes in its economic sector. In particular, unlike in the past, it has taken the initiative in introducing reform and opening-up policies beyond the level of accepting changed reality. However, the past experiences of repeated reforms and retreats may be seen as an increased uncertainty about the future for North Korean members. In this regard, the North Korean authorities have been pushing for legislation as one of the measures to impose sustainability on policies for economic development while proactively proposing socialist rule of law. As a result, during the decade of Kim Jong-un's administration, legislative improvement projects were actively carried out in the economic sector.

Looking at the aspect of North Korea's legislation, it is foremost continuously working to reduce the gap between reality and legislation. Such changes are reflected in the bill, as if the policy were to be introduced in stages through the adjustment process. In addition, related bills are enacted and revised together so that the contents of the bills do not conflict one another. When key economic policies are established at each time, related bills are enacted as follow-up measures, and economic measures taken in line with the changing reality are quickly legislated to give effectiveness.

However, legislative projects alone cannot achieve the goal the North Korean authorities are aiming for. While the contents of the bill reflect reality, it should also be guided according to the state’s intentions and, at the same time, conditions must be established so that law-abiding can be a reasonable decision. North Korea is also trying to form a spirit of compliance with the bill by reflecting this point, and the bill includes holding people accountable for violations. In addition, the role and status of legal institutions are enhanced and legal control is substantially strengthened. Nevertheless, North Korea should continue to examine whether the bill, which is being enacted and revised, is actually effective. Efforts should be made to develop the bill into an effective one through appropriate coordination between the orientation contained in the bill and the reality of its members.