김정은 체제 권력구조와 정치행태 분석

Analysis on the Power Structure and Political Behavior of Kim Jong Un Regime

북한정치의 핵심은 권력승계와 체제유지이다. 북한에서는 백두혈통의 위업계승이라 하여, 김정일 사망 후 김정은이 ‘최고영도자’로 추대되어 통치하고 있다. 이 연구는 김정은 체제가 어떠한 권력구조를 갖추어 출범하였는가를 김정은의 공식적인 위상을 중심으로 살펴보고, 이 과정에서 후견 권력엘리트들의 부침은 어떠했는가를 조명한다. 또한 김정은이 인민과의 관계 속에서 어떠한 정치행태를 보여주고 있으며, 그것이 의도하는 것이 무엇인가를 분석해 보려는 것이다. 김정은은 인민군 최고사령관, 로동당 제1비서, 국방위원회 제1위원장에 추대되어 군·당·정의 최고권력자가 되었다. 김정은 체제는 기존의 권력엘리트를 중용하였지만, 리영호의 실각과 최룡해의 전면배치는 당중심의 정치를 펼치려는 김정은의 의지이다. 김정은은 ‘김정일 애국주의’를 내세우면서 군과 인민을 독려하고, ‘인민을 최우선 절대적으로’라고 하고 있다. 젊음을 상징화하는 공개성과 인민과의 친화력을 보려주려는 것은 인민 속으로 파고 들어가겠다는 의지의 표현이다. 이러한 김정은 체제가 지속적으로 안정화될지는 미지수이다. 권력엘리트들의 갈등요소와 인민들의 생활향상에서 오는 한계는 불안정요소로 작용할 수 있기 때문이다. 김정은 체제가 장기적인 생존을 하려면 독자적인 김정은식 독자노선을 모색해야 한다.

The core in the North Korean Politics is power succession and the sustenance of a regime. The DPRK has tried to inherit the legend, the succession of the great achievement of Baekdu lineage. After Kim Jong Il's death, in the name of the five authorities, it was announced that observing the late Kim's instruction, people should faithfully support Kim Jong Un's leadership. Kim Jong Un headed as 'Sumprem Leader' is ruling North Korea. This study is to explore the establishment of Kim Jong Un regime with what kind of power structure through Kim Jung Il's official status and the rise and fall of power elite guardians in the course of the regime establishment. In addition, Kim Jong Un's political behavior in the relationship with people and its intention are analyzed. Kim Jong Un was headed as Supreme Commander of the North Korean People's Army, 1st Secretary of the Worker's Party and 1st Chairman of Defence Committee and he became the first man of power in military, party and politics. Justly, he has held additional positions, such as standing member of Central Committee and chairman of Central Defence Committee and was heady as a chief of state. Under his one-manned governance, the existing power elites have been taken into confidence but Lee, Young Ho, the symbol of new military elite was ousted and Choi, Ryong Hae has been deployed forwardly. This means Kim's intention to the politics centered on the party. Since the official establishment of Kim's regime, his political behavior has been distinguished from Kim Jong Il's. With standing on 'Kim Jong Il patriotism', he encourages the army and people, and states 'absolute priority given to people'. Showing openness symbolic of youth and a friendly relationship with people means the expression of his intention into the populace. It is not sure that the Kim regime can enjoy continuos stabilization in the point that discords among power elites and limitations from enhancing public life will foster instability factors. For the long-term survival of the regim, Kim Jong Un regime's own policy line with independency has to be taken.