[The content of this article is based on authoritative historical data, and there are citations at the end of the article, please be aware.] 】
North Korea's transition of supreme power is often accompanied by brutal purges of its core members, and the Kim Il Sung, the "sun of the Korean people," will not allow anyone to use their political credentials to oppose their established leadership.
However, the reality cannot be interpreted in one tone, and when we look back at the development process of North Korea, Kim Yong-nam seems to have walked out of the political deadlock of the North Korean successor to completely clean up the original team, and although he has monstrous authority, he can also calmly and unhurriedly exit the scene.
Political position - absolute support and attitude
In 2011, when the former leader of the DPRK Kim Jong-il passed away, the North Korean people collectively mourned in silence, and Kim Yong-nam, then chairman of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly of the DPRK, delivered a speech as an official representative.
On the one hand, he firmly emphasized his recognition and support for Kim Jong-un to take over the banner of North Korea's prosperity and lead the people of the whole country into a new era, and believed that this was a glorious transition in line with the existing system of North Korea.
Kim Jong-un was not yet 30 years old when he came to power, and although he had the intentional support of his father Kim Jong-il and his own ability was also very outstanding, he was somewhat immature in the eyes of the outside media, and the military and political officials of the older generation of North Korea did not despise and suspect him.
In this period of alternation, Kim Yong-nam, the "veteran of the three dynasties" who came from the Kim Il Sung period, undoubtedly has great prestige and a sense of deterrence, which gives Kim Jong-un a certain amount of encouragement and time for adjustment, so that Kim Jong-un can feel relieved and at the same time consciously rely on it, and speed up the pace of "replacing more reliable personnel".
In addition to supporting Kim Jong-un's assumption to power, Kim Yong-nam has also maintained a high degree of consistency with Kim Jong-un on the general policy of North Korea, and both are the inheritors and promoters of the "Kim Il Sung Thought" and have a very clear goal for the current path forward, and no one will allow him to deviate from it.
This may be a double explanation for the different fates of Jang Song-thaek and Kim Yong-nam, Jang Song-thaek is also experienced in politics, and he is Kim Jong-un's uncle, he has always been unable to hide his arrogance, and he is really suspected of abusing power to mess with government and abusing power for personal gain.
Kim Yong-nam, on the other hand, has a "foil style", acting modestly, without absolute judgment, and sticking to the road with self-confidence, so that he can continue to shine as a key figure in Kim Jong-un's leadership group.
Foreign Affairs - Major Strategies and Realistic Trials
Kim Yong-nam can be described as an important "gateway" for the outside world to understand the official attitude of the DPRK, and the DPRK's major foreign statements are often represented by him. On relations with China, Kim Yong-nam seeks truth from facts and has a far-sighted vision. In 1988, Kim Yong-nam visited China and was immediately warmly received by the Chinese side.
Since China was in the great stage of economic restructuring at this time, it was already considering strengthening political and economic exchanges with Korea in order to seek higher development. China's foreign minister has expressed this intention to Kim Yong-nam and hopes to gain North Korea's understanding. Kim Yong-nam did not blame him, saying that he understood China's development line and promised to seek Kim Il-sung's opinion when he returned home.
Despite this, the development of Sino-ROK relations has caused a rift in Sino-DPRK relations for a period of time, and contacts between the two sides have significantly decreased. This situation was broken in 1999 when Kim Yong-nam visited China again, and Kim Yong-nam saw the long-term strategic ties between China and the DPRK and urged the two sides to resume normal dialogue and develop Sino-DPRK friendship.
In terms of relations with the ROK and the United States, Kim Yong-nam adheres to the principle of "reunification of the motherland", on the one hand, opposes the public opinion pressure and long-term sanctions imposed by the United States and the ROK on the DPRK, and expresses that he will consistently support the path of "Korean-style socialism"; On the one hand, it has maintained space for dialogue and strengthened political and cultural exchanges with the Korea government when the situation is relatively relaxed.
In his relations with Russia and other countries, Kim Yong-nam has shown an image of being full of self-confidence, being cautious and pragmatic, and attaching equal importance to justice and benefit.
On behalf of the DPRK, he carried out hierarchical communication with all countries in the world, actively expanded the diplomatic situation of the DPRK, and vigorously advocated changing the unfavorable situation in which the DPRK was speechless in the international community, and at the same time carried forward the DPRK's will to stand on its own feet and strengthen itself, and made arduous efforts for the glory of the country.
Appearances are always brilliant and well-timed
Kim Yong-nam has shown a different attitude on major national development issues from the time he appeared, actively discussing the issue of military possession of nuclear weapons with China and other countries, saying that he insists on self-defense and striving for peace, but in his dialogue with United States and other countries, he has taken a tougher line and rejected their unreasonable interference and groundless accusations.
In the direction of economic development, we should actively study China's reform situation, adhere to the DPRK system, and hope to learn from it, but beware of market inducement and capital penetration by Western countries.
In the political landscape, it participates in important activities of China and Russia and other countries, closes regional ties, and visits Africa and other regions at the same time to strengthen political radiation, but always keeps a distance from the United States and South Korea to prevent the evolution of Western-style democracy and national turmoil. These ideas are generally in line with North Korean tradition, and they have made some progress and have continued throughout Kim Yong-nam's political life.
On the other hand, after a few years, Kim Jong-un has become more familiar with state affairs and has shown his own consideration in internal and external decisions, and Kim Yong-nam has fulfilled his mission as an assistant. At this time, Kim Yong-nam is already old, and his handling ability has also declined to a certain extent, whether it is public or private, it is very wise and necessary for Kim Yong-nam to take resignation as his political end.
The "evergreens" of the DPRK political arena will be remembered by the people with their glorious deeds and will not be stained with any political stains. The reason why Kim Yong-nam has been able to assist the Kim Il-sung family for three generations and have always stood tall in the North Korean political arena is that in addition to maintaining a firm political position, it is more because of a series of strategic considerations made by him to win long-term opportunities for the DPRK.
For Kim Jong-un, Kim Yong-nam is a reliable helper, a political wealth left to him by his fathers, and Kim Yong-nam's consistent attitude of serving the public also allows him not to worry about political turmoil, but to strengthen his leadership prestige, which is beneficial but harmless. In 2019, Kim Yong-nam submitted his resignation, ending his political journey.
To this day, he is not only praised by the North Korean people, but also recognized and concerned by the international community. He used his keen political vision to serve the country diligently, serve the party diligently, and displayed national feelings and self-denial will that are worthy of our discussion and positive evaluation.
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Resources:
[1]雷志华.朝鲜开启金正恩时代[J].南风窗,2012,(02):29-30.DOI:10.19351/j.cnki.44-1019/g2.2012.02.007.
[2] Chong Xin. Beijing Branch Life,2000,(12):58.)