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The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was proclaimed on 9 September 1948.

After Japan’s defeat in 1945, the Korean Peninsula was divided along the 38th parallel into two occupation zones, with the Soviet Union administering the north and the United States (U.S.) controlling the south. Efforts to establish a unified Korean government failed as both occupying powers laid claim to the entire peninsular and neither were willing to compromise.

Kim Il-sung, a former anti-Japanese guerilla fighter, became North Korea’s first leader, implementing a centralised communist government modelled on the Soviet system. On 25 June 1950, backed by the Soviet Union and China, North Korea launched a full-scale invasion of the South igniting the Korean War.

Three years of fighting resulted in massive military and civilian casualties as well as widespread destruction of the country's infrastructure. Both sides signed an armistice rather than a peace treaty, leaving the two Koreas technically still at war. The agreement included a heavily fortified Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) which remains one of the most heavily militarised borders in the world.

Following the war, Kim Il-sung pursued policies of self-reliance (Juche), emphasising industrialisation, collectivisation, and a strong military. He used propaganda and centralised control to promote himself as a divine being, with any form of dissent prohibited.

North Korea initially experienced economic growth following the war, but by the late 20th century, its economy lagged behind South Korea’s due to inefficiencies, isolation, and the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. The 1990s were marked by famine, economic hardship, and a humanitarian crisis, leading to widespread malnutrition and loss of life.

Kim Il-sung's death in 1994 led to a dynastic succession, with his son Kim Jong-il taking power. Under Kim Jong-il, the country adopted the Songun (military-first) policy, increasing military spending while the general population suffered from economic deprivation. North Korea’s nuclear program advanced during this period, leading to increased tensions with the international community. The most common title given to Kim during his lifetime was "Dear Leader" to distinguish him from his father Kim Il sung, the "Great Leader".

After Kim Jong-il’s death in 2011, his second son Kim Jong-un assumed leadership, continuing the family's dynastic rule. He has promoted the policy of byungjin, similar to Kim Il sung's policy from the 1960s, referring to the simultaneous development of both the economy and the country's nuclear weapons program. He has also revived the structures of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), expanding the party's power.

His tenure has seen many diplomatic confrontations, as well as periodic negotiations with world leaders, including high-profile summits with South Korea, the United States, China, and more recently, Russia. Despite facing heavy sanctions, Kim Jong-un has maintained his grip on power through ruthless suppression of the population. In 2014, a UN Human Rights Council report suggested that Kim could be put on trial for crimes against humanity. According to reports, he has ordered the purge and execution of several North Korean officials including his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, in 2013.

Despite its international isolation, North Korea has maintained diplomatic relations with a limited number of countries, mainly those with historical communist ties. The regime continues to emphasise military strength and ideological loyalty as it navigates diplomatic efforts to secure economic aid and maintain its security.

Government

North Korea is a one-party totalitarian state ruled by the Kim dynasty under the WPK. The Supreme Leader holds absolute power, controlling the executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The state ideology, Juche, is a pseudo religion that emphasises self-reliance and serves as the foundation of the government’s policies.

The highest governing body is the Supreme People’s Assembly (SPA), which theoretically acts as the legislature but in practice rubber-stamps decisions made by the ruling party. The Cabinet is responsible for implementing policies, though its authority is secondary to that of the WPK. The military, through the Songun (military-first) policy, plays a dominant role in governance, ensuring regime stability and deterring external threats.

Law

North Korea operates under a legal system dictated by the WPK, with no independent judiciary. Laws primarily serve to enforce state ideology and maintain the regime’s control. Political dissent is harshly punished, with citizens facing imprisonment, forced labor, or execution for crimes against the state. The country’s infamous prison camps, known as kwanliso, detain individuals accused of political offenses, with reports of extreme human rights abuses.

Despite a constitution that theoretically guarantees certain freedoms, in practice, all aspects of life are strictly regulated. Travel within and outside of North Korea requires state approval, and access to foreign information is heavily curtailed. The regime employs extensive surveillance to monitor and control its population.

Diplomacy

North Korea’s foreign relations are influenced by the country’s nuclear ambitions, economic conditions, and ideology. The country remains largely isolated, with limited diplomatic ties and strained relationships with much of the world.

South Korea

North and South Korean relations have shifted between engagement and hostility. While there have been moments of diplomatic progress, such as the historic summits between Kim Jong-un and South Korean leaders, tensions have persisted. While various South Korean Governments have attempted to mend relations, others have favoured a deterrence strategy. In August 2024 South Korea’s former President Yoon Suk-yeol unveiled a new unification vision that he vowed would bring peace and prosperity to all of Korea; however, he failed to emphasise South Korea’s commitment to a peaceful unification, with some interpreting it as support for regime change. The plan also rested on North Korea abandoning its nuclear program, which is accepted as unlikely.

United States

North Korea views the U.S. as its main adversary, citing American military presence in South Korea as a major threat. There are currently 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, close to the DMZ. There have been periodic diplomatic efforts, including summits between Kim Jong-un and U.S. President Donald Trump, that have led to temporary de-escalations but no lasting agreements. U.S.-led sanctions continue to pressure North Korea’s economy, limiting its access to global markets.

China

China is North Korea’s closest ally and largest trading partner, providing economic aid and diplomatic cover. Despite Beijing’s support, relations are occasionally strained due to North Korea’s nuclear tests, which has undermined regional stability. China continues to advocate for a diplomatic approach to managing North Korea’s ambitions rather than supporting harsher punitive measures.

Russia

Russia maintains relatively stable relations with North Korea, offering limited economic and diplomatic support. Moscow has opposed strict sanctions against Pyongyang and has called for dialogue to resolve tensions. In recent years, there have been reports of growing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in trade and military exchanges. It is estimated that 14,000 North Korean troops have been sent to Russia to fight against Ukraine along with a large supply of armaments.

Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin during the 2024 Summit

Japan

Japan-North Korea relations are limited and often tense due to unresolved grievances. North Korea has fired numerous missile tests over Japanese territory, and Japan has accused North Korea of abducting Japanese citizens. Japan’s occupation of Korea prior to 1948 is also a point of contention and mistrust. Tokyo supports strong sanctions against Pyongyang and works closely with the U.S. and South Korea on regional security issues.

International Forums

North Korea is not an active participant in most international organisations due to its isolationist policies and sanctions. However, it has been a member of the United Nations (UN) since 1991 and occasionally engages in diplomatic talks through multilateral platforms, such as the Six-Party Talks (which included North and South Korea, the U.S., China, Russia, and Japan) aimed at denuclearisation.

North Korea’s international engagement is often limited to seeking economic aid or opposing sanctions. It has faced repeated condemnations from the UN for its human rights record and nuclear weapons development.

For more information on North Korean Diplomacy, refer to official reports from international organizations and analysis by experts in the field, along with the resources below:

Video:

• Kingdom of the Kims: Rise to Power (Full Episode) | Inside North Korea's Dynasty | National Geographic

Articles:

• The good, the bad and the ugly of Yoon's Korean unification vision | East Asia Forum
• The Kims of North Korea: How myth and propaganda sustain a family dynasty – ABC News
• Why North Korea Might Reject Yoon Suk-yeol’s Audacious Initiative | Council on Foreign Relations
• Inside North Korea’s vast operation to help Russia’s war on Ukraine
• North Korea: First road bridge to Russia 'significant' development