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Analyst: North Korean military's status declining under Kim Jong Un

By Elizabeth Shim
Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's military-first policies are gradually being altered in favor of plans that focus on economic growth, according to a South Korean analyst. (UPI Photo/James Mossman/USAF)
Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea's military-first policies are gradually being altered in favor of plans that focus on economic growth, according to a South Korean analyst. (UPI Photo/James Mossman/USAF) | License Photo

SEOUL, Sept. 26 (UPI) -- North Korea's "Songun" or military-first policy is being used as a system of ideas, rather than being placed into practice, according to a South Korean analyst.

Kim Dong-yup of the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul wrote in a recent report that the status and role of Pyongyang's military is changing under the rule of Kim Jong Un, Yonhap reported.

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Under Kim, his father's military-first policies are gradually being altered in favor of plans that focus on economic growth, the South Korean analyst said in an article addressing the changes facing the North Korean military.

Since Kim came to power, the status of the military has declined and the ruling Workers' Party has strengthened its grip of a military-affiliated trading company and has pushed for control of its directorship, the South Korean analyst said.

Kim Dong-yup also wrote North Korea continues to promote the old policies in its statements because the notion that military-first policies as a survival strategy persists in the reclusive country, and it is an effective means of retaining the regime's power.

The North's pursuit of nuclear weapons development, however, may mean Pyongyang is seeking to rebuild a more efficient military centered on weapons of mass destruction.

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North Korea's traditional ideas of nation building, centered on its ideology of self-reliance and the leadership of generations of Kims are still an active part of political life in the country.

South Korean outlet No Cut News reported new statues of North Korean founder Kim Il Sung and his son Kim Jong Il were erected in Hyesan, near the China border.

Top North Korean official Kim Yong Nam said at the unveiling ceremony the statues "shined a light on the revolutionary career and achievements" of the past leaders, according to KCNA.

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