What Does North Korea Want?

Despite the tension between North Korea and the United States, three short-distance missiles were launched from North Korea’s Kangwon province on August 29. Though the missiles failed in flight overall, it was a warning message from North Korea after the U.S had North Korea terminate its weapon program.

For several decades, North Korea has worked on developing various types of missiles, continuously threatening the U.S. Compared to the past when world powers were able to keep North Korea’s power contained, it is becoming difficult to restrain the country due to its evident growth of military strength. So what are the thoughts of the leaders implicated in this situation?

Donald Trump is the current president of the United States. When Trump was elected as the 45th American president, he drew great attention from all forms of media for his unprecedented actions such as building  a wall on the border of Mexico, which still is a controversy. His plan to suppress North Korea was straightforward and efficient. Instead of leading out a smooth negotiation, like former U.S governments did, Trump emphasized his aggression. Trump forcibly restrained North Korea’s economic and military strength by making agreements with China, which plays a vital role in maintaining North Korea’s economy.

As we all know, Kim Jong-Eun is the present leader of North Korea. He stands out for his ruthless and stubborn acts violating international law. Though surrounding countries and the U.S are applying pressure, he and his government refuse to halt their nuclear missile development. So what is it that they truly want?   Starting with Kim Il-Sung, the North Korea Dynasty has maintained their dictatorship by distributing propaganda. From past examples, authoritarian governments seem to topple after a few decades. This is similar in North Korea; they are currently facing financial difficulties and their greatest former ally, Russia, While this was happening, the U.S and South Korea were accumulating wealth in politics and military which made North Korea concerned.

Though Trump’s political strategy worries some as it may push the leaders toward war, my opinion is that Trump should continue to apply pressure to terminate North Korea’s missile program for future generations. Based on what the regime has done so far, North Korea’s government won’t be moved by words. Though no one can see the future, it is likely that war will break out at some point when the tension has reached its maximum. Readers, what do you think will be Kim Jong-Eun’s breaking point?

For more information on these recent incidents, please visit the New York Times.