Where and With Whom Did They Go?

Abstract

This study explores the compositional characteristics of the hereditary regimes of North Korea, specifically regarding regime change through the transmission of traditional authority over three generations. The research questions of this study are as follows: How did North Korea successfully make the traditional hereditary regimes handed down to the son and grandson? Who were the political elites establishing and supporting these hereditary regimes? This study analyzes "on-the-spot guidance" articles reported in Rodong Sinmun, North Korea's official medium. According to the analysis, on-the-spot guidance seems to contribute to building and maintaining North Korea's hereditary regimes for three generations. In addition, it implies that the Kim Jong-un regime has a relatively low risk of collapse due to internal resistance, which has transpired for quite a while.