September 23, 2023
Analysis

Kim Jong Un’s changing priorities: May visits in the DPRK

May saw Kim Jong Un make five economic appearances, a striking departure from recent months

Kim Jong Un’s May appearances broke away from recent precedent, and featured not only economic appearances, which he has been loath to make in recent months, but a few were also outside of Pyongyang and not on military bases.

In addition, Kim appeared with a number of military officials that had never publicly appeared with the Supreme Leader before, including Jang Jong Nam, the recently appointed Minister of the People’s Armed Forces.