The Change of North Korea s National Image - Analysis of the Korea Today -

This article seeks to analyze the changes of the national image of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK-North Korea). From the disintegration of the Soviet Union and collapse of the Eastern Europe, North Korea was isolated from the rest of the world. With the economic crisis in 1990s, international organizations and NGOs continue to push the North Korean government to improve the situation on human rights and ration food for the weakest classes such as children, women, and the aged. From the perspective of international society, Kim Jong Il and his son, Kim Jong Un, was recognized as dictators of underdeveloped country. Because of such reasons, the North Korean regime has been trying to change its national image in the international society. In order to systematically examine the changes of North Korea’s national image, this article analyzes Korea Today. Korea Today is the official monthly journal, printed in English, Russian and Chinese, published by the North Korean government for international readers. This article attempts to highlight three points emphasized for the national image of North Korea. First, Pyongyang declared the intent to build a powerful socialist nation by 2012. Nowadays, the people’s happiness is the biggest subject in North Korea. The North Korean regime idealizes the people’s pleasure. Second, the North Korean regime insists that their economic situation is better than ever. They presented large scale construction projects as an achievement. Third, during the Kim Jong Un era, North Korea has been trying to build a political legitimacy based on the legacy of predecessors, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il.