Seungho Jung, Professor at Incheon National University, analyzes the background of North Korea's new five-year plan announced at the 9th Party Congress, which prioritizes stability and management over aggressive growth in response to internal and external uncertainties. The author argues that domestic market instability—including surging exchange rates and rice prices—constrained state finances, and structural limitations in its cooperation with Russia and China led North Korea to adopt this management-oriented plan. Professor Jung highlights the future challenges of allocating limited res...

Commentary

• Seungho JUNG
• April 28, 2026

Seunghee HA, a Research Professor at Dongguk University, analyzes the phenomenon in which the media has replaced severed direct inter-Korean dialogue channels and drives real-time reactions. The author points out that the structure in which both sides indirectly monitor each other through the media and reinterpret actions as hostile intentions increases the risk of misjudgment. Professor Ha emphasizes the need to strategically design messages to manage within this media-dependent interpretation structure, while simultaneously striving to restore minimal direct communication channels.

Commentary

• Seunghee HA
• April 21, 2026

Youngsun JEON, Professor at Konkuk University, analyzes the internal and external implications of North Korea's constitutional name change, which was enacted for the first time in 54 years. The author explains that the removal of "socialism" from the title does not mean abandoning the system, but rather reflects an intention to strengthen its status as a normal, universal state in the international community. Professor Jeon assesses that this revision solidifies the constitution's position as the supreme law while declaring the newly defined "hostile two-state" relationship with South Korea as...

Commentary

• Youngsun JEON
• April 20, 2026