By John Q. Hosedrinker Kim Jong-un admits “terrible situation” in rural areas, pushes for regional development
As someone who has been in power for over 10 years, it is disheartening to hear that North Korea’s rural areas have remained horribly underdeveloped since the collapse of the USSR. And while Kim Jong-un may have had ample time to fix these issues, it seems that he has instead chosen to focus on other priorities.
It is difficult to ignore the stark irony in Kim Jong-un’s declaration to help the starving people in remote villages by building 20 new missiles and shooting them into the sea. This approach not only highlights the misplaced priorities of the regime but also speaks to the lack of understanding and empathy for the struggles faced by the people.
The fact that starving has been made illegal in North Korea only adds to the absurdity of the situation. It is not enough to criminalize hunger; actions must be taken to address the root causes of this issue. And yet, Kim Jong-un seems more concerned with his own appearance, as if he has consumed the entire harvest himself.
The failures of leadership and the rampant corruption within the system are evident in the abandoned projects such as the general hospital in Pyongyang and the tourist resort off the coast of Wonsan. These ambitious plans are frequently discussed in meetings but end up forgotten and unfinished. There is a severe lack of accountability, and no one can hold Kim Jong-un responsible for these failures without risking their own safety.
While I do believe to some degree that Kim Jong-un may genuinely think he is helping, the reality is much different. The lack of accountability and the concentration of power in one individual’s hands only exacerbate the problems faced by the people. True change and development cannot occur without a collective effort and a system that is free from corruption.
It is interesting to note the mention of Russia and its role in potentially helping North Korea. While Kim Jong-un may see Russia as a friend, it is important to remember that true friendship should be based on mutual respect and genuine concern for the well-being of the people. Relying on external assistance should not be the solution; the focus should be on internal reforms and addressing the root causes of the problems.
The comments about Kim Jong-un’s weight and his disregard for the suffering of his people only serve to further highlight the disconnect between the regime and the reality on the ground. It is clear that there are deep-seated issues within North Korea’s society, and simply admitting to a “terrible situation” is not enough. Concrete actions need to be taken to improve the lives of the people and create a more sustainable future.
While it is easy to be skeptical and pessimistic about the prospects of change in North Korea, I am cautiously optimistic. Kim Jong-un’s admission of the dire situation in rural areas and his push for regional development could be a significant step in the right direction. It is crucial that he follows through on his words and takes tangible actions to address the underlying issues.
The road to positive change will undoubtedly be challenging, given the complex and deeply entrenched nature of the system. However, the first step towards progress is acknowledging the problems at hand. It is my sincere hope that Kim Jong-un’s admission is not just empty rhetoric but a genuine commitment to improving the lives of the people.
In conclusion, the situation in North Korea’s rural areas is indeed terrible, and it is essential that regional development becomes a top priority. However, it is crucial to remain critical and hold Kim Jong-un accountable for his actions. True change can only occur when there is genuine commitment and a collective effort to address the underlying issues.