The author is Kim Byung-yeon, a professor of economics at the Department of Economics at Seoul National University. He’s a recognized distinguished researcher in Humanities and social sciences by the National Research Foundation of the Republic of Korea. He’s a regular columnist o Korean issues in leading South Korean newspapers.
The book Unveiling the North Korean economy, written by Kim Byung-yeon was published by Cambridge University Press in 2016.B. Tauris in 2017. Excluding acknowledgements and introduction, conclusion and additional elements, the book consists of a classic structure: three chapters, where the first chapter is an evaluation of the Socialist economy, then a presentation of the North Korean economy, and finally the Transition process of the North Korean economy, demonstrating how the North Korean leadership overpassed the collapse of the Soviet Union. The book is also a synthesis and overview of studies of the North Korean economy since 1953 (starting from page 41). It’s one, but not the only one, scholar book focused on North Korean economic studies, made available in a foreign language. Interestingly similar books related to the North Korean economy were published in communist countries such as for instance the book entitled Współpraca KRLD z krajami socjalistycznymi [The cooperation of the DPRK with Socialist countries] (Warszawa: Państwowe Wydawnictwo Ekonomiczne, 1975) authored by Stefan Kojło Stefan, and the monograph prepared by Stefan Kojło and Anatol Dikij Polska – KRLD: Gospodarka, współpraca [Poland-DPRK: Economy, cooperation], (Państwowe Wydawnictwo Ekonomiczne, Warszawa 1975).
The book is equally divided between the three following chapters. The first chapter is an evaluation of the Socialist Economy (pp. 6-40). Divided in five parts, the section discussed the framework of the Socialist economy from the point of view of companies and households. The whole is explained using theoretical economic models. The second chapter (pp. 41-216) is a kind of economic history of North Korea, underlining its basements such as the Central Planning System, Juseok Funds&Spot Guidance issues. I regret no enlarged information concerning the Public Distribution System. The third chapter is more contemporary as it treats about the transition of the North Korean economy (pp. 217-300) focusing on the stabilization of its economy through liberalization and potential integration with South Korean partners. As a piece of evidence (p. 92), the author stipulates that 90 per cent of total household expenditures are made in these (unformal) markets.
The book deals with several different eras in the history emphasizing in English, elements of the North Korean economy which were rarely discussed by North Korean scholars. For instance, combined North Korean firms, known as Yeonhap Giupso, (p. 123), the News System of Foreign Trade established in 1991 (p. 124), and the Juseok Fund (pp. 130-31). Some of these elements were discussed on the other best-seller related to the North Korean economy written by Hazel Smith Markets and Military Rule.
There are some points which seems to indicate that the research of the author is somehow outdated. For example, many research surveys done by the author (pp. 185). Were done six years before the publication of the book. Also data seems to be slightly old taking in account the publication date (2017). Due to the old data, conclusion related to the relation between markets, bribery, and regime stability in North Korea may weaken over the time (p. 187) as the survey was done in 2009 (Main Bribe-Takers).
On page 164, data related to the trade of North Korea are updated to 2014, p. 169 imports of North Korea are dated till 2012. may provide more outdated examples. The author also consider the province Hamgyung (known as Hamgyungdo) as a whole in spite of its division in Hamgyongdo North (Hamgyungpukdo) and Hamgyungdo South (Hamgyungnamdo), for example on page 96. I would like to clearly indicate that in any case, the contribution of the author to the gathering of data concerning the North Korean economy is fantastic. The author also minimize the results of the North Korean economy in the 70’s, indicating that the North Korean GDP per capita was higher thatn that of South Korea. The author considers that Growth rates were overestimated in the statistics supplied by North Korean authorities (pp. 80-81).
Concerning bribes and corruption, the author indicates that bribery may have a negative, but also a positive impact. According to Frossman quoted on page 181, as “good corruption may contribute to the stability of the regime because it adds to the aggregate supply of goods and services, while bad corruption does not. Finally, the author defends, what I agree with him, that “the current situation regarding the informal economy and bribery may be characterized as an equilibrium…Given resource constraints that make it difficult for the dictator to pay his officials appropriate salaries, he implicitly allows officials to receive money from market participants.”.
Furthermore, the book has also other limitations. I consider that the author didn’t provided enough data concerning the emergence of a new social class in North Korea: the donjus. These “money owners” are barely mentioned page 64 as being “private financiers…to be financing the construction of flats”. As it wasn’t probably the purpose of the author, this social class was barely mentioned in spite of its key role in the development of the North Korean economy. The author used also few western publications (only one publication or Marcus Noland was quoted – p. 319) and no Russian sources in spite of the connections of this country to North Korea. Probably for linguistic reasons, sources in Chinese were also omitted. It would have maybe valuable to indicate it in the introduction of this monograph.
Kim Byung-Yeon. Unveiling the North Korean economy, Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2017, 329 pages. ISBN: 978-1-316-63516-2
Nicolas Levi Analyst on North and South Korea. He is an assistant professor at the Institute of Mediterranean and Oriental Cultures of the Polish Academy of Sciences. Author of 7 books, more than 20 academic articles, and over 50 analytical reports on the Korean Peninsula, Poland, and related issues. He conducts lectures at top universities in Poland and abroad.
Więcej informacji na temat: newslettera, polityki prywatności serwisu
czytaj więcej
Paweł Behrendt for 9DASHLINE: The South China Sea – from colonialism to the Cold War
We would like to inform, that 9DASHLINE has published article of Paweł Behrendt - the Boym Institute Analyst, in which he wrote about history of the South China Sea dispute over the 20th century.
Paweł BehrendtAsia-Integration – Follow-up Report on Polish Policy Challenges Towards Asian Countries
The debate was the consequence of positive reactions to the open letter that the Boym Institute published in the summer of 2020. Many of its readers pointed out the necessity of broad consultations regarding the principles of the new multidimensional policy in order to reflect the diversity of perspectives, interests and conditions.
Book review: “North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society”
Book review of "North Korean Defectors in a New and Competitive Society", written by Lee Ahlam - assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership and Human Resource Development at Xavier University Cincinnati, Ohio.
Nicolas LeviUzbekistan, under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, has embarked on a path of reform. Almost daily, the media there report on new initiatives and projects. It is no coincidence that in December 2019 The Economist awarded Uzbekistan the country of the year title.
Magdalena Sobańska-CwalinaInternet, cryptocurrencies & blockchains in North Korea
North Korea is considered as a secretive state, but, paradoxically, the country is developing last trend technologies. With prohibitions restricting the flow of money, the country is turning to bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to finance their programs, instead of coming under new pressure.
Nicolas LeviAt the Boym Institute we are coming out with new initiative: #WomeninBoym, which aims to show the activity of this – often less visible – half of society. We will write about what women think, say and do. We will also publicise what women are researching and writing.
Border conflicts as political tools: the Thailand–Cambodia crisis
The border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia is much more than just a territorial dispute. Rooted in historical ambiguities, it has become a tool for domestic political maneuvering in both countries and a stage for international strategic competition.
Andżelika Serwatka“May you be the mother of a thousand sons” – the status of women in Indian society
The 1950 Indian Constitution introduced the principle of equal opportunities for gender equality, which grants women and men the same rights in family life, political, social and economic life. So why is it that nearly forty per cent of girls aged 15-17 do not attend school, the custom of dowry giving is still cultivated and prenatal sex selection is still a huge social problem?
Magdalena RybczyńskaOnline Course: “Educational tools for addressing the effects of war”
The Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace is offering “Betzavta” facilitators, middle school and high school educators, social activists, communal activists and those assisting refugees an online seminar to explore educational issues related to wartime.
Join us for the Adam Institute’s Latest Online Course
Conflict resolution models have been primarily crafted and codified by men. The Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace invites you to be part of that much-needed change through an experiential and innovative Online Course "Conflict Resolution in the Context of Gender".
In the first part of this analysis of Ulaanbaatar’s winning 2040 General Development Plan Conception (GDPC) I look into the historical preconditions for the city’s planned development as well as present the legislative climate in which works on Ulaanbaatar’s future development strategies have recently found themselves.
Paweł SzczapIndonesia – between religion and democracy
Indonesia is the largest Muslim democracy in the world. Approximately 88% of the population in Indonesia declares Islamic religion, but in spite of this significant dominance, Indonesia is not a religious state.
Anna GrzywaczWe’re Stronger Together – an Interview with Minister Marcin Przydacz
"Cooperation and investments – we are absolutely up for it. However, we prefer to keep a certain degree of caution when it comes to entrusting the transfer of technology and critical infrastructure to external investors. The security of Poland and the EU should be considered more important than even the greatest economic gains..."
Searching for Japan’s Role in the World Amid the Russia-Ukraine War
The G7 Hiroshima Summit concluded on May 21 with a communiqué reiterating continued support for Ukraine in face of Russia’s illegal war of aggression. Although Japan was perceived at the onset of the war as reluctant to go beyond condemning Russia at the expense of its own interests, it has since become one of the leading countries taking action during the war.
Rintaro NishimuraChinese work on the military use of artificial intelligence
Intensive modernization and the desire to catch up with the armed forces of the United States made chinese interest in the military application of futuristic technologies grow bigger.
Paweł BehrendtTemples, Hackers, and Leaks: The Thai-Cambodian Crisis in the Age of Information Warfare
Thailand and Cambodia are caught up in a heated border dispute over an ancient temple that dates back to the 11th century. This isn’t just about land — it’s about the heritage of colonialism, national pride, and tensions between two powerful political dynasties.
Andżelika SerwatkaWhy is stronger foreign investment protection needed in relations with China?
One of the key elements of the protection of foreign investment (and thus the foreign investor) is the mechanism for resolving disputes between the state and the foreign investor. The mechanism itself may take different forms...
Adrian ZwolińskiCoronavirus outbreak in Poland – General information and recommendations for entrepreneurs
Kochański & Partners and the Boym Institute engaged in delivering information about latest after-effects of COVID-19 pandemia, which has begun to spread in Poland during the past days.
New Female Prime Minister Faces Thailand’s Political Turmoil
Thailand, known for military coups, political downfalls, and dashed democratic hopes, has a new Prime Minister. Paetongtarn Shinawatra is not only the youngest elected Prime Minister in the country's history and the second woman to hold this post, but she is also a member of the Shinawatra political dynasty.
Andżelika SerwatkaThis is the second part of an inquiry into Ulaanbaatar’s winning 2040 General Development Plan Conception (GDPC). In this part of paper, I look into some of the plans and/or solutions proposed in Ulaanbaatar’s 2040 GDPC.
Paweł SzczapA letter from the Adam Institute in Jerusalem
This letter is part of our series on the Voices from Asia. We share our platform with Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman who serves as the Executive Director at the Adam Institute for Democracy and Peace in Jerusalem, Israel.
Uki Maroshek-KlarmanCharitable activities of the Vietnamese in Poland: their scope and sources
The scale of assistance provided to medics by the Vietnamese community during the 2020 pandemic inspires admiration and gratitude. It stems from the sense of belonging to Poland and deeply rooted in the culture order to help those in need and repay the debt incurred at the time when they themselves needed such help.
Ewa GrabowskaIndia, China and the Shades of Grey
"We are at an inflection point in this century. Many of our traditional arrangements are failing. To achieve stability in this century we need to discover new solutions" - Interview with Samir Saran - Senior Fellow and Vice President at the Observer Research Foundation
Krzysztof Zalewski