Backpedaling Kim Jong Il-report by Chosun Ilbo

Some North Korean experts say Kim Jong-il seems to be backpedaling in economic, diplomatic, and domestic reform matters.

In 2002 Kim was often applauded for his efforts to actively try to participate in international community, improve inter-Korean relations and aggressively forge ahead with regime reforms.

But now he seems to reverse all these trends, in particular in diplomatic matters. In 2002, Kim displayed active efforts to improve diplomatic relations with other countries such as normalizing diplomatic relations with 10 western countries and the 2002 summit with the Japanese leader. But since 2002, he has been back to brinkmanship and self-imposed diplomatic isolation.

North Korean experts say Kim also seemed to replace old guards by new and reform-minded ones but now he re-rehires old ones. In economic sector, he also brings back old policies. Seo Jae-jin, researcher in Korea Institute for National Unification, said “as the situation is getting more difficult, Kim Jong-il is believed to be surrounded by hard-liners, not reform-minded people.” “He seems to continue sticking with his current policy until President Bush’s term is expired.”