North Korean leader Kim Jong-un visited the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun to mark his late father Kim Jong-il’s birthday, his first visit in four years. Later, on February 25, he inspected Kang Kon Military Academy and attended a strategic cruise missile launch in the West Sea the next day.
However, he made no direct remarks on the upcoming U.S.- South Korea joint military exercise (FS) in March. On March 4, Kim Yo-jong, via Rodong Sinmun and the Korean Central News Agency, condemned the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Carl Vinson’s arrival in Busan on March 2. Notably, instead of direct statements, Kim Jong-un, Kim Yo-jong, and other key figures have relied on state media for criticisms, marking a shift from past practices.
This shift in communication reflects two key strategies. First, it aligns with North Korea’s Theory of Two Hostile States, a policy aimed at downplaying South Korea’s significance. Second, it highlights Kim Jong-un’s focus on economic progress under the 20×10 Regional Development Policy, both of which remained priorities in February.
In February 2025, Kim Jong-un made ten public appearances, up from eight in January, with no significant change in focus. His engagements included politics (four), military (one), and socio- economic affairs (five), emphasizing economic priorities. Under the 20×10 Regional Development Policy, the government continued promoting regional factory projects. Kim Jong-un’s first economic event of the year was attending the groundbreaking ceremony for Kangdong County Hospital and a comprehensive service center.
Despite indications of a military focus around February 16, Kim Jong-un’s only direct involvement was overseeing a strategic cruise missile test in the West Sea, where he emphasized “full preparedness for nuclear attacks.” At Kang Kon Military Academy, he stressed military modernization and strengthening the armed forces. Meanwhile, North Korea’s Ministry of National Defense condemned U.S.-South Korea-led denuclearization talks, reaffirming its commitment to nuclear weapons development.
Despite its active promotion of the 20×10 Regional Development Policy, North Korea continues to face economic hardships. In response, it is strengthening diplomatic and military ties with China and Russia to secure economic aid and defense cooperation. Key developments by sector include:
1. Strengthened Military Activities They conducted a strategic cruise missile test, with Kim Jong-un overseeing the launch and stressing nuclear readiness. At Kang Kon Military Academy, he emphasized military modernization and stronger defense. The government reaffirmed its opposition to U.S.-South Korea-led denuclearization, vowing to continue nuclear development.
2. Diplomatic and Political Trends They denounced U.S. and regional denuclearization efforts as “groundless” and reaffirmed their intent to enhance nuclear capabilities despite international pressure. They strengthened diplomatic and military cooperation with China and Russia to secure economic and defense-related support.
3. Economic and Internal Affairs They continue to struggle under international sanctions, with reports of worsening food shortages in some regions. In response, they have intensified domestic crackdowns, increasing ideological education and tightening control over the population. North Korea is likely to escalate military provocations in response to U.S.-South Korea drills while advancing its nuclear and missile programs. Rejecting denuclearization, it is expected to strengthen its nuclear capabilities as resistance to international pressure, as it previously vowed to do. Similar to last year, it may conduct a large-scale military command exercise and deepen military ties with Russia, potentially holding joint drills to enhance strategic cooperation.
– Lee Seung-hyun Ph.D. in Public Administration
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