
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.
czytaj więcej
Guidance for Workplaces on Preparing for Coronavirus Spread
Due to the spread of coronavirus, the following workplace recommendations have been issued by the Ministry of Development, in cooperation with the Chief Sanitary Inspector. We also invite you to read article about general information and recommendations for entrepreneurs.
After the darkness of the Cultural Revolution, the times of the Chinese transformation had come. In 1978, Deng Xiaoping realised the need to educate a new generation of leaders: people proficient in science, management and politics. Generous programmes were created that aimed at attracting back to China fresh graduates of foreign universities, young experts, entrepreneurs and professionals.
Ewelina HoroszkiewiczBook review: “North Korea’s Cities”
Book review of "North Korea’s Cities", written by Rainer Dormels and published byJimoondang Publishing Company in 2014.
Nicolas LeviKyrgyzstan on the Path to Political Stabilisation
On 10 January, early presidential elections were held in Kyrgyzstan, following the resignation of the incumbent, President Zheenbekov. The atmosphere in which the vote was conducted remained tense. This had been the case since the results of the October elections were announced, in which the opposition grouping failed to win a single parliamentary seat.
Jerzy OlędzkiWe would like to inform, that Observer Research Foundation has published article of Krzysztof Zalewski - the Boym Institute Analyst, Chairman of the Board and Editor of the “Tydzień w Azji” weekly.
Krzysztof ZalewskiOnline Course: “Conflict Resolution and Democracy”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
Peace and development as the call of our day again face severe challenges on a global scale, with more prominent instability, uncertainty and complexity
Yiwei WangThe Boym Institute contribution to the Transcultural Caravan project
We are pleased to announce, that our analysts and contributors are among authors of the newest publication - "European Perspectives on the New Silk Roads – A Transcultural Approach".
Online Course: “Feminism and Democracy: a Deep Dive”
The course will be taught via interactive workshops, employing the Adam Institute’s signature “Betzavta – the Adam Institute’s Facilitation Method“, taught by its creator, Dr. Uki Maroshek-Klarman. The award-winning “Betzavta” method is rooted in an empirical approach to civic education, interpersonal communication and conflict resolution.
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 BehrendtCoronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and emerging contractual claims
With China one of the key players in the global supply chain, supplying major manufacturing companies with commodities, components and final products, the recent emerging outbreak of Coronavirus provides for a number of organizational as well as legal challenges.
Patrycja Pendrakowska made it to the Top 40 under 40 Europe-India leaders list
#EuropeIndia40, an initiative of EICBI, covers the stories of leaders below the age of 40 and their contributions to promoting EU India / UK India relations.
Young Indo-Pacific: Forward-looking perspectives on the EU Indo-Pacific Strategy
The Boym Institute, working with other think tanks, organizes panel discussions on topics related to the European Union's Indo-Pacific strategy
San Zhong Zhanfa or Three Warfares. Chinese Hybrid Warfare
Cognitive operations are becoming an increasingly significant and common element of non-kinetic military operations. States and other political players deliberately manipulate the way their actions, those of their allies and those of their adversaries are perceived by the governments and societies of other international players.
Paweł BehrendtIn 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 SzczapBook review of "GDR International Development Policy Involvement. Doctrine and Strategies between Illusions and Reality 1960-1990, The example (South) Africa", written by Ulrich van der Heyden and published by Lit Verlag in 2013.
Nicolas LeviThe number of confirmed executions and frequent disappearances of politicians remind us that in North Korea the rules of social Darwinism apply. Any attempt to limit Kim Jong-un's power may be considered hostile and ruthless.
Roman HusarskiOpportunities and challenges of India’s G20 Presidency
Ada Dyndo conducts an interview with Shairee Malhotra on India’s role in G20. Shairee Malhotra serves as a Coordinator of the T20 India Taskforce on Reformed Multilateralism for India’s G20 presidency.
Ada DyndoBook 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 LeviLiquidation of the Polish colony in Manchuria (north-eastern China)
Ms. Łucja Drabczak - A Polish woman born in Harbin, she spent her childhood in China. She returned to Poland at the age of 10. She is the author of the book 'China... Memories from my childhood'. She contacted us to convey special family memories related to leaving Manchuria in 1949.
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 NishimuraThe link between EU Aid and Good Governance in Central Asia
Nowadays all the CA states continue transitioning into the human-centered model of governance where the comprehensive needs of societies must be satisfied, nevertheless, the achievements are to a greater extent ambiguous.
WICCI’s India-EU Business Council – a new platform for women in business
Interview with Ada Dyndo, President of WICCI's India-EU Business Council and Principal Consultant of European Business and Technology Centre
Ada DyndoCentral Asia. The winding road to regional integration
The aim of the paper is to present the current stage of integration among the Central Asian republics and to analyze directions and dynamics of this process in the nearest future. This study also attempts to identify factors which can either slow down or strengthen the process of integration as well as its causes and consequences.
Jerzy Olędzki