북한의 교육 정책에 따른 의학 교육 편제의 정치적 함의

The Political Implications of the Medical College System based on the Education Policy of DPRK

The aim of this study is to present the changes and political implications of North Korean educational policy or institutions, by analyzing the Medical Education System of Pyongyang Medical College. Since the emergence of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, the first policy enacted was a reform of the education system. The political intentions of the North Korean education reform can be summarized into three distinct areas. First, problem awareness for training. Second, reducing the control of the medical school system by the North Korean authorities. Third, the Internationalization of medical training, and the systematic framework for educational advancement. The concluding assessment of the study shows the political intention and the change of direction for North Korean education policy. The political endgame, however, is ensuring the survival of the regime and the omnipotent power of the head of state. North Korea has strengthened the control of the party (public health care and education) by incorporating the education agency (College of Medicine) in the University, which has a responsible role in social control. Also, this study found that the North Korean healthcare business included political ideological education within its medical education curriculum to help strengthen itself politically.