North Korea has remained silent on South Korea’s recent presidential election. Although inter-Korean relations are unlikely to improve any time soon, a change in Seoul’s leadership will inevitably impact the diplomatic strategies of the United States, China, and Russia.
However, many experts believe that regardless of the election results, North Korea will maintain its stance of indifference based on the so-called “two Koreas” policy, while accelerating domestic initiatives. This year marks the final year of the North’s current five-year plan for economic and military development, and Pyongyang is likely to focus its efforts on maximizing achievements in the second half of the year.
Furthermore, North Korea is currently more focused on achieving diplomatic successes through closer ties with Russia rather than with the U.S.-South Korea alliance.
North Korea has significant events scheduled for this month. On June 19, the country will likely focus its diplomatic efforts on commemorating the first anniversary of the new treaty signed with Russia.
Some observers speculate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may use the occasion to visit Russia, potentially meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss regional dynamics, including the South Korean election and ongoing negotiations over the war in Ukraine.
Later this month, the 12th plenary meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the Workers’ Party is scheduled. This plenary session, one of North Korea’s most authoritative gatherings, will summarize the government’s operations and present new policy directions, serving as a mid-year assessment.
While some analysts suggest that North Korea might unveil a new diplomatic strategy during the meeting, the more widely held view is that such a shift would likely be deferred until the 9th Party Congress, anticipated to be held later this year or early next year. That event is expected to establish a new five-year national development plan.
Meanwhile, Kim has ordered the restoration of a newly built 5,000-ton destroyer that capsized during a launch ceremony at the Chongjin Shipyard in the East Sea on May 21. He instructed that the vessel be repaired before the upcoming plenary session, indicating the project will command significant resources in the coming weeks.
The incident may also trigger major personnel reshuffles during the plenary, as part of efforts to tighten discipline within the military and shipbuilding sectors.
Kim has also declared his intention to open the Galma Coastal Tourist Zone in Wonsan, Gangwon Province, by the end of June. The foreign tourism business, which briefly resumed in March but was suspended again, could restart in conjunction with the resort’s grand opening.
North Korea has heavily invested in the Galma district, constructing a resort complex of unprecedented scale. As a result, preparations for the facility’s debut and the revival of foreign tourism are expected to be among the top priorities for Pyongyang this month.
North Korea has constructed an unprecedentedly large-scale resort in the Galma Coastal Tourism District, so they are likely putting considerable effort into preparations for the opening and the resumption of tourism activities.
