A Study on the Characteristics of North Korea’s Normalization and Standardization System in the Kim Jong-un Era: Focusing on the Reports of the Rodong Sinmun

Abstract

In the 21st century, standards have become ‘the universal language of industries that transcend borders and races.’ This article seeks to investigate the development of normalization and standardization in North Korea’s industrial sector during the Kim Jong-un era by analyzing North Korean media sources. By comparing the policies pursued under Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-il, and Kim Jong-un, it describes the gradual adoption of international standard systems in North Korea. It points out that it is not easy to achieve practical results by simply emphasizing the necessity of standardization and normalization if other industrial conditions are insufficient. Still, the North Korean authorities’ efforts to draw attention to the importance of normalization and tandardization must be regarded as a positive trend.