A Study on Kim Jong Un’s Historical Trauma Concerning Denuclearization Negotiations : Based on the Extrinsic Meaning of the Korean War (2023.11)
- Author : Jiil Kim
- Publication : Strategic Studies
- Publisher : Korea Research Institute for Strategy
- Volume : 30(3)
- Date : November 2023
What is the reason behind the unwavering commitment of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal and resisting nuclear disarmament? To address the aforementioned research question, this study delves into the core psychological factors shaping Kim’s mindset and consequent behavioral patterns. Utilizing the documentary research method, this study endeavors to illuminate the research inquiries by employing the psychological framework of ‘historical trauma’ to dissect Kim Jong Un’s behavioral tendencies, which have manifested during denuclearization negotiations. The findings of this study reveal that Kim Jong Un bears a historical trauma inherited, through a process of ‘transference,’ from his grandfather Kim Il Sung, who initiated the Korean War. Specifically, Kim Jong Un’s historical trauma encompasses both ‘short-term war trauma’ and ‘alliance trauma.’ Within this context, the short-term trauma significantly contributes to Kim Jong Un’s reluctance to commit to denuclearization. Furthermore, these two forms of trauma have manifested as his deceptive maneuvers during denuclearization negotiations and his endeavors to undermine the military might of enemy alliances while persuading North Korea’s allies to align with his nation.