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Quotes of the Day:
"I am convinced an information program can contribute to our security just as can an army, a navy, and an air force; and that it can make its contribution in a manner that is vastly preferable to the threat or the use of force, and at infinitely less expense."
- Testimony of Secretary of State James F. Byrnes before the subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee, April 1946.
"The United States Information Service is truly the voice of America and the means of clarifying the opinion of the world concerning us. Its objective is fivefold. To be effective it must (1) explain United States motives; (2) bolster morale and extend hope; (3) give a true picture of American life, methods, and ideals; (4) combat misrepresentation and distortion, and (5) be a ready instrument of psychological warfare when required."
- Source: “Preliminary Staff Report of the Smith-Mundt Congressional Committees During September and October 1947 of Conditions in Europe, with Particular Emphasis on the United States Information Service,” November 1947.
"The truth is that a fact — an incontrovertible fact — is often the most powerful propaganda."
- Source: Elmer Davis, formerly the Office of War Information chief, speaking to the Chicago Rotary Club in February 1946.
1. What N. Koreans think about Kim Jong Un’s daughter
2. China, Russia should play 'constructive role' on N. Korean nukes: U.S. ambassador
3. N. Korea to hold key party meeting to unveil next year's policy direction
4. Chinese Embassy in Seoul to open memorial alter for late Jiang
5. N.K. leader meets Air Force commanders, pilots over last month's massive warplane protest against S. Korea
6. North Korea forces citizens to change names for a more idealistic sound
7. Saudi Arabia And South Korea Are Forging Closer Defense Ties
8. ＜Interview with Two N. Korean Women＞ How do N. Koreans view the appearance of Kim Jong-un’s daughter, “Ju-ae”? Rumors circulate that she’s a “genius” and an “advisor” to her father
9. Chinese residents in Seoul join 'white paper' protests against Beijing's COVID policy
10. US to Announce New North Korea-Related Sanctions Today
11. Air Force launches Space Operations Squadron
12. US working with Seoul, Tokyo for 'effective mix' of steps to strengthen extended deterrence
1. What N. Koreans think about Kim Jong Un’s daughter
Very enlightening report. We do have to take Daily NK reports with a grain of salt.
I thought the same thing about her height and her facial features.
DNK: What was people’s first impression of Kim’s daughter?
A: She’s about as tall as her father, so people thought she must have been eating well since she was little, and that the Supreme Leader’s family lacked for nothing. They also said she looked like her mother and father, but more like her mother.
B: Many people say she looked just like her mother and father. Some people also said since she eats and dresses without wanting for anything, she appears tall and mature for her age.
What N. Koreans think about Kim Jong Un’s daughter
Daily NK recently interviewed a high-ranking cadre in Pyongyang and a resident of Yanggang Province about the recent appearance of the Supreme Leader's daughter
By Mun Dong Hui - 2022.12.01 10:35am
dailynk.com
Kim Jong Un with his wife and daughter in a photo published by state media on November 19, 2022. (Rodong Sinmun-News1)
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s daughter recently accompanied him on a visit to the site of the test launch of the new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile. North Korean media openly ran images of Kim and his daughter strolling about near the missile hand-in-hand. The eyes and ears of the world are now focusing on why North Korea released images of one of Kim’s children for the first time ever.
In regards to this extraordinary event, many North Koreans say that the move is likely a strategy to emphasize Kim’s “love for the next generation” and North Korea’s ability to protect itself, as well as to claim justification for bolstering the country’s defenses. This is to say, Kim used his own child as a means of propaganda to remedy the growing breakdown in people’s loyalty toward his regime.
What do North Koreans think about the sudden public appearance of Kim’s daughter? After images of her appeared in state media, Daily NK interviewed a high-ranking cadre in Pyongyang and a resident of Yanggang Province.
First, they were surprised by the public appearance of Kim’s daughter in state mdia. In fact, the resident of Yanggang Province said many people were surprised “because it was the first official appearance of the child,” and that the move seemed aimed at “promoting Kim’s humanity by showing that he’s the father of a family and the head of a household.”
The cadre in Pyongyang said that the daughter’s appearance in public is being received positively, and that placing images of her in state media was aimed at “inspiring the people with the actions of the father of the people, who is giving his body and soul for future generations.”
Daily NK (DNK): Kim’s daughter made his first appearance through the newspapers and broadcast media. What do you think the reason was for the sudden appearance?
High-ranking cadre in Pyongyang (A): I think it was to show that the Supreme Leader [Kim Jong Un] is a family man with a daughter. I also think it aimed to show Kim’s will to drive away the dark clouds of war above the heads of our children and open a future of peace without war. In short, Kim is the father of the people and his daughter’s public appearance was aimed at inspiring the people by showing he is dedicating his body and soul to future generations.
Resident of Yanggang Province (B): I think they wanted to show the Supreme Leader’s love for his daughter, and that he’s the father of a family and the head of a household. Perhaps the authorities are trying to promote Kim’s humanity and intimacy to the people.
DNK: What do North Koreans think about the daughter’s appearance?
A: Some people adore the Supreme Leader as an intimate father of a family, while others don’t. The very next day after it was revealed that the Supreme Leader went to the launch site with his daughter, the Central Committee’s Organization and Guidance Department and Ministry of State Security issued instructions to put a halt to rumors. Since the instructions were issued the very next day after the daughter’s appearance, almost nobody is publicly opening their mouth or saying anything. People are talking quietly, like they were talking about a neighbor who just moved in.
People think that the Supreme Leader, now that he’s a family man and father and who usually takes care of the affairs of state for the whole country, is tightening his belt and diligently making inspections to bequeath to his family’s future and future generations a nation that will never experience war. Within the Workers’ Party, people say the [appearance of the daughter] had a somewhat dramatic effect.
B: Many people wonder since he brought a young daughter to a nuclear missile test launch site. Many people were also surprised because it was the daughter’s first public appearance. Most people who saw her think well of her, saying she’s pretty because she takes after her mother and father, and that she’s lucky to look like her mother. Some people also wonder if the authorities are trying to make people and even children understand the need and rationale for strengthening national defense to protect [the people’s] happiness.
DNK: What was people’s first impression of Kim’s daughter?
A: She’s about as tall as her father, so people thought she must have been eating well since she was little, and that the Supreme Leader’s family lacked for nothing. They also said she looked like her mother and father, but more like her mother.
B: Many people say she looked just like her mother and father. Some people also said since she eats and dresses without wanting for anything, she appears tall and mature for her age.
DNK: Why did Kim bring his daughter and not his son? Do people know that he has a son?
A: Some people know he has a son. However, many people believe he must have a son, even if they don’t actually know for sure. If he had no son, the First Lady [Ri Sol Ju] would not have appeared at a place like the rostrum at military parades. Given the structure of our nation, people think that unless a woman has a son who can continue the line, she is unqualified to be the Mother of Korea. Because [Ri] is treated like the Mother of Korea, they think she must have a son. Because the son will be the successor, they must be closely hiding him. Then he’ll appear when he’s at least in his 20s once he’s reached adulthood. There is no need to show him to the people when he’s a teenager.
However, I think people believe Kim took his daughter along because she’s not leadership material. Since foreign countries already know about her, she can’t go abroad to study, so that’s why they gave her a public appearance. People think the daughter will not become a successor but rather an advisor to the leader like the Supreme Leader’s aunt [Kim Kyong Hui] and a loyal warrior for the Workers’ Party.
B: Rumors have gone around that he has a son, but nobody knows exactly how old he is. If he’s the youngest, he might have been too young to bring along. There is a rumor that if he’s the oldest, he might be studying overseas somewhere and not around, so Kim brought his daughter instead. However, people think since he brought his daughter and not a son, the child [the daughter] is not his successor. Some people also say they will reveal the son next.
DNK: Has there been any ideological education or propaganda regarding the daughter’s appearance?
A: There have been two lectures for leading cadres in the party, government and military regarding the child’s appearance. Mostly, the lectures said, ‘“Even the Great Leader is a father who just wanted to spend a day off with his child. However, he devotes himself to the happiness of countless families in the country and the future of the next generation. The Supreme Leader’s family stays with him on this path, too. It was a historic, deeply impressive image that showed the family of a great man among great men. It was a moment that moved the entire nation.”
B: Nothing has happened so far.
Please direct any comments or questions about this article to dailynkenglish@uni-media.net.
Read in Korean
dailynk.com
2. China, Russia should play 'constructive role' on N. Korean nukes: U.S. ambassador
The Ambassador is absolutely right that they should. But I do not believe they ever will (unless China and Russia define the contricutive role on their terms - and what is constructive for them is to allow north Korea to be a dilemma for the ROK and the US..
China, Russia should play 'constructive role' on N. Korean nukes: U.S. ambassador
By Thomas Maresca
upi.com
U.S. Ambassador to South Korea Philip Goldberg said Thursday the Russia and China should exert pressure on North Korea to return to the negotiating table. Photo by Thomas Maresca/UPI
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (UPI) -- China and Russia should exert pressure on North Korea to dismantle its nuclear arsenal and return to the negotiating table, the U.S. ambassador to South Korea said Thursday.
Beijing and Moscow have stood in the way of U.S.-led efforts at the U.N. Security Council to impose new sanctions and officially condemn North Korea over its spate of ballistic missile tests.
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"We hope that China plays a constructive role ... on North Korea," Ambassador Philip Goldberg said at a briefing with international media in downtown Seoul. "We believe it's in all our interests to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula."
"That is what we have worked toward for many years -- for a responsible North Korea that is negotiating about denuclearization and peace and security on the Korean Peninsula," Goldberg said. "And we very much believe that that's in China's interest just as it's in our interest."
North Korea has launched a record number of missiles this year, including an ICBM last month that landed roughly 130 miles off the coast of Japan and was estimated to have the range to reach the entire United States.
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U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield last week accused Russia and China of "enabling and emboldening" Pyongyang by blocking motions to exert additional pressure on the recalcitrant regime.
The U.N. Security Council imposed sanctions on North Korea after its first nuclear test in 2006 and has added to them in the years since, including several new rounds in 2017 amid a flurry of missile and nuclear tests.
Beijing and Moscow signed onto all measures until May of this year when both vetoed a resolution for new sanctions for the first time. U.N. envoys from the two countries have suggested that joint military exercises held by the United States and South Korea are provoking the North into conducting its weapons tests.
"China, as well as the United States and Russia all passed resolutions at the United Nations on missile and nuclear developments in North Korea, and we all ought to follow the rules-based solution to get into negotiations and denculearization," Goldberg said Thursday. "We all signed up to it."
"What we would like to see is for Russia to play a constructive role also in pressuring and in talking to the North Koreans," he added.
At a forum held in Seoul earlier on Thursday, U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said that the United States was working on new sanctions in an effort to bring North Korea back to the negotiating table.
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"We have a new set of sanctions measures coming forward as we speak," Sullivan told the conference, hosted by U.S. think tank Center for Strategic and International Studies and South Korea's JoongAng Group. He did not provide further information on the scope or targets of the sanctions.
Officials in Seoul and Washington have assessed that North Korea has completed preparations for a nuclear weapon test, which would be its first since 2017 and seventh overall.
upi.com
3. N. Korea to hold key party meeting to unveil next year's policy direction
Prep work for Kim's New Year's address?
(LEAD) N. Korea to hold key party meeting to unveil next year's policy direction | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · December 1, 2022
(ATTN: CHANGES headline; UPDATES throughout with details; ADDS photo, byline)
By Yi Wonju
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korea will hold a key party meeting later this month to review this year's achievements and discuss plans for the new year, Pyongyang's state media reported Thursday.
The decision was made at a politburo session of the ruling Workers' Party, which leader Kim Jong-un presided over the previous day. He noted the internal and external circumstances of this year were an "unprecedented adversity" that tested its "will and fighting efficiency," according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).
"The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) decided to convene the 6th Plenary Meeting of the 8th Central Committee of the WPK in late December to review the execution of the Party and state policies for 2022 and discuss and decide on work plans for 2023 and a series of important issues arising in the development of the Party and the revolution at present," the KCNA said in an English-language report.
Despite challenges, Kim said a "new phase was opened for the remarkable development of the state and the country's prestige and honor was raised to a new level" thanks to the "correct leadership of the Party Central Committee."
"He said that it is very important for all sectors to find innovative ways for solving the problems by tapping our potentiality and to properly confirm the next year's plan on the basis of the correct analysis of the experience and lessons accumulated in the course of a year's struggle in order to expand the affirmative changes made in the Party building and the overall work of the state this year and vigorously push forward the huge tasks of the new year," according to the KNCA.
During the upcoming session, North Korea could unveil key policy directions toward the U.S. and South Korea for next year, as well as its missile development plan or a possible nuclear test.
Kim could also use the upcoming meeting as a venue to deliver a major speech this year to replace his annual New Year's Day address, usually presented on Jan. 1.
Kim has refrained from giving his New Year's Day speech since 2019, when he delivered a speech at a plenary session of the party and skipped his annual address for the first time since taking office.
The recalcitrant state has sharply escalated tensions on the Korean Peninsula in recent weeks amid growing concerns it could soon carry out its seventh nuclear test.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · December 1, 2022
4. Chinese Embassy in Seoul to open memorial alter for late Jiang
Problem solved for many countries - no need to send representatives to a state funeral.
Excerpt:
A funeral committee for Jiang earlier announced that "foreign governments, political parties and friendly personages" will not be invited to send delegations to China to attend the mourning activities in accordance with China's practices.
(LEAD) Chinese Embassy in Seoul to open memorial alter for late Jiang | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by 장동우 · December 1, 2022
(ATTN: UPDATES headline, lead paras with embassy's plan for memorial altars)
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- China plans to set up memorial altars for late leader Jiang Zemin at the country's embassy in Seoul and consular offices in three other South Korean cities, embassy officials said Thursday.
South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin is considering visiting the embassy to pay his respects to Jiang and sign a guest book, ministry officials said.
Consulate generals in Busan, Gwangju and Jeju are also to receive mourners from later in the day through next Tuesday.
Chung Jae-ho, Seoul's top envoy in China, visited a mourning altar in Beijing earlier in the day. to pay tribute to Jiang, South Korea's embassy in Beijing said.
Jiang died the previous day at age 96 after suffering from leukemia, according to foreign media reports. He was the first Chinese leader to visit South Korea in November 1995.
A funeral committee for Jiang earlier announced that "foreign governments, political parties and friendly personages" will not be invited to send delegations to China to attend the mourning activities in accordance with China's practices.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by 장동우 · December 1, 2022
5. N.K. leader meets Air Force commanders, pilots over last month's massive warplane protest against S. Korea
Spin that narrative.
What they do not realize is that if they had to engage alliance aircraft all their awards would have to be given posthumously because not a single aircraft is likely to survive ROK/US alliance airpower (okay that is my narrative that I am spinning).
N.K. leader meets Air Force commanders, pilots over last month's massive warplane protest against S. Korea | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · December 1, 2022
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un ordered the promotion of hundreds of officers involved in last month's warplane activities apparently targeting South Korea, according to Pyongyang's state media Thursday.
Kim congratulated the commanding officers and pilots of the Air Force who contributed to "strikingly demonstrating" its power against the enemy and its "invincible stamina by successfully conducting large-scale flying operations," the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said.
Some 705 pilots who "participated in the general operation of the air force flying corps with 500 fighters involved for 3 hours and 47 minutes on November 4" were invited to the office building of the Central Committee of the ruling Workers' Party on the occasion of the Air Force's anniversary, it said.
Kim held a photo session with the officers and stressed that "the praiseworthy military merits performed by the People's Air Force that resolutely safeguarded the territorial air of the country will shine long as an eventful victory in the history of the country."
He then delivered an order to "raise the military titles of the air force commanders and pilots" who successfully carried out their mission and a "military title of one rank higher" was bestowed to them, according to the KNCA.
On Nov. 4, South Korea's military said it detected more than 180 North Korean military aircraft, including fighters and bombers, flying between around 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. over its inland areas as well as off the western and eastern coasts without approaching close to the inter-Korean border. The bombers conducted air-to-ground firing.
The North's military activities came in response to South Korea-U.S. combined air drills, called Vigilant Storm, long denounced by Pyongyang as a rehearsal for invasion.
North Korea has celebrated Nov. 29 as its Aviation Day since 2012 to commemorate the founding of the country's first flying corps in 1945.
julesyi@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by 이원주 · December 1, 2022
6. North Korea forces citizens to change names for a more idealistic sound
Hmmm... Hey Conch Shell, do you know Super Beauty?
Excerpts:
Such names as A Ri (loved one), Su Mi (super beauty), and So Ra (conch shell), have been popular in recent years.
But, the government is not impressed with the current names and is forcing citizens to make names more revolutionary sounding. One unnamed resident told Radio Free Asia that people inside the country are upset.
North Korea forces citizens to change names for a more idealistic sound
thethaiger.com · by Ann Carter · December 1, 2022
North Korea’s government is reportedly forcing its citizens to change their names to sound more ideological. Such names that mean “super beauty” or “loved one” are being swapped for those that mean “loyalty” or “bomb.”
One resident of the country says names have evolved since the early 2000s as people learned more about the outside world. In the past, residents were encouraged to give children patriotic names that held an ideological or militaristic meaning. But as the country has become more open to the outside world, citizens have been choosing more gentle names for their children. Such names as A Ri (loved one), Su Mi (super beauty), and So Ra (conch shell), have been popular in recent years.
But, the government is not impressed with the current names and is forcing citizens to make names more revolutionary sounding. One unnamed resident told Radio Free Asia that people inside the country are upset.
“Residents are complaining that the authorities are forcing people to change their names according to the standards required by the state. Starting last month, notices have been constantly issued at the neighbourhood-watch unit’s residents’ meetings to correct all names without final consonants. People with names that don’t have a final consonant have until the end of the year to add political meanings to their name to meet revolutionary standards.”
Other residents report that public notices and meetings have instructed adults and children to change their names to include a final consonant, citing those without would be considered “anti-socialist.” But many parents are reluctant and have reportedly questioned if they should change their children’s names to “reflect the current era of starvation and oppression.” Another source echoed residents’ sentiments.
“They say, ‘if being naked and starving is true socialism, we are absolutely against it.”
Other residents have equated the forced name changes to the government treating citizens as mechanical parts or livestock.
In response, the government has allegedly threatened to fine those who don’t use names with political meanings. But, no fines have been reported as being levied as of yet.
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Ann Carter
Ann Carter is an award-winning journalist from the United States with over 12 years experience in print and broadcast news. Her work has been featured in America, China and Thailand as she has worked internationally at major news stations as a writer and producer. Carter graduated from the Walter Williams Missouri School of Journalism in the USA.
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thethaiger.com · by Ann Carter · December 1, 2022
7. Saudi Arabia And South Korea Are Forging Closer Defense Ties
Saudi Arabia And South Korea Are Forging Closer Defense Ties
Forbes · by Paul Iddon · December 1, 2022
The powerful Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman visited the South Korean capital Seoul on Nov. 16 and met with Korean President Yoon Suk-Yeol. During his brief visit, the Saudi leader showed a "strong will in weapons industry cooperation." For his part, the South Korean president also proposed that the two countries could jointly develop and produce weapons on Saudi soil.
... [+]Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
South Korea offers purchasers of its arms technology transfers and the opportunity to manufacture systems locally. Saudi Arabia aims to expand its modest domestic arms industry exponentially over the next decade. Riyadh has already signed an agreement with China to manufacture Chinese drones on Saudi soil and also wants a factory for locally manufacturing Turkish Bayraktar TB2s. Seoul could offer Riyadh similar arrangements for its various systems.
"Defense ties between South Korea and Saudi Arabia are relatively new within the last decade; pacts were signed to boost defense and intelligence cooperation in 2013 and 2017," Emily Hawthorne, a senior Middle East and North Africa analyst at the risk intelligence company RANE, told me. "But cooperation has accelerated in recent years as Saudi Arabia has significantly invested in its own domestic military industry, and as Saudi Arabia has worked to diversify its range of military suppliers away from a firm reliance on U.S. equipment."
Furthermore, South Korea has shared intelligence on North Korea with the Saudis, which has proven valuable for Riyadh since Pyongyang has close military ties with its main rival Iran.
"This, along with South Korea's close relationship with the United States - Saudi Arabia's traditional security patron - creates a natural affinity between Seoul and Riyadh in this area," Hawthorne said.
Furthermore, South Korea also produces advanced weaponry that fits Saudi Arabia's current requirements.
"The most likely type of South Korean weaponry Saudi Arabia is interested in is anti-aircraft weaponry, including surface-to-air missile systems," Hawthorne said. "Saudi Arabia faces the threat of Houthi drones and has long sought to boost its missile and drone defenses against nearby rival Iran."
MORE FROMFORBES ADVISOR
By
Amy Danise
Editor
By
Amy Danise
Editor
Seoul may prove a good choice for air defenses since it has been working on two formidable systems in recent years.
... [+]AFP via Getty Images
The medium-range Cheongung II KM-SAM was developed for intercepting enemy aircraft and ballistic missiles. Its interceptor missile is based on technology from the 9M96 missile used by Russia's advanced S-350E and S-400 systems. Alongside the U.S.-built Patriot PAC-3, the KM-SAM covers the lower tier of South Korea's air defenses. For the upper-tier air defenses, Seoul is developing the L-SAM system, which it anticipates can intercept North Korean ballistic missiles during the terminal phase of their flight, putting it in a similar category to the U.S. Terminal High Altitude Air Defense System (THAAD) and the Israeli Arrow 3. In November, the L-SAM completed its first successful intercept during a test.
The United Arab Emirates has become the first export customer for the KM-SAM. Saudi Arabia, facing similar threats from the Houthis in Yemen, could also opt for that system. Riyadh reportedly ran low on Patriot interceptor missiles earlier this year. Buying another system could reduce the risk of such shortages since it would give the Saudis another supply chain for such missiles.
Seoul could help Riyadh substantially diversify its military arsenal. Poland is presently undergoing an enormous military buildup, including a large procurement of 250 M1A2 Abrams main battle tanks from the United States. Warsaw is simultaneously acquiring a whopping 1,000 K2 Black Panther tanks, K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers, K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery, and 48 FA-50 light combat aircraft from South Korea.
Saudi Arabia could afford a similar acquisition if it wanted and may decide to in the foreseeable future to lessen its heavy dependency on the United States. There were recent calls in Washington to suspend U.S. arms sales to Riyadh over the Opec+ decision to cut oil production. Acquiring more South Korean weaponry would enable Riyadh to more easily weather any potential American arms embargo.
"Saudi Arabia definitely strategically wants to diversify its dependence on U.S. military hardware and U.S. security cooperation," Hawthorne said. "This isn't to rupture its ties with the U.S. but to inject more flexibility and create more options (in some cases more budget-conscious options) for the Kingdom."
Forbes · by Paul Iddon · December 1, 2022
8. ＜Interview with Two N. Korean Women＞ How do N. Koreans view the appearance of Kim Jong-un’s daughter, “Ju-ae”? Rumors circulate that she’s a “genius” and an “advisor” to her father
More on how zKoreans in the north supposedly feel about the Supreme Daughter. But only the Propaganda and Agitation department could anoint her as a genius who is advising her father. Maybe she is already a nuclear weapons and missile expert.
＜Interview with Two N. Korean Women＞ How do N. Koreans view the appearance of Kim Jong-un’s daughter, “Ju-ae”? Rumors circulate that she’s a “genius” and an “advisor” to her father
asiapress.org
Kim Jong-un and his daughter take part in a commemorative photograph with persons of merit involved in the missile launch. The South Korean government believes that her name is “Kim Ju-ae.” (Rodong Sinmun, November 2022)
On November 18, North Korea conducted a test of a long-range ballistic missile called the “Hwansongpo-17.” Kim Jong-un inspected the test site along with his daughter. He also took commemorative photos with people involved in the missile’s development. How have North Koreans responded to the photos? (KANG Ji-won / ISHIMARU Jiro)
South Korean authorities believe that Kim Jong-un’s daughter is named “Kim Ju-ae.” The Rodong Sinmun calls her jajae, a term used to refer to one’s child in a respectful manner.
There appears to be a lot of interest among North Koreans toward the recent public appearance of “Kim Ju-ae.” ASIAPRESS asked two female reporting partners living in the northern part of the country about the atmosphere in the country and their thoughts about their leader’s daughter. The two women live in different areas. The opinions they express below are their own.
◆ Rumors circulate that Kim Ju-ae is a “great genius”
―― Pictures of Kim Jong-un’s daughter were recently published in state media.
A: People aren’t talking rudely about her. Among themselves, all they ask how old she is, and comment on how similar she looks to her father and mother. We still have no idea how old Kim Jong-un is exactly. People are curious about how old his child is.
―― Were you surprised at seeing pictures of her published in state media?
A: I wasn’t particularly surprised. Kim Jong-il also took his son Kim Jong-un around on many on-the-spot inspections, so it’s natural that he’d take his daughter on them, too.
―― What are they saying about her?
A: Rumors say that she’s a genius and that she remembers everything she sees. She’s probably getting education tailored for gifted children, not studying with ordinary students.
Kim Jong-un and his daughter take part in a commemorative photograph with persons of merit involved in the missile launch. The South Korean government believes that her name is “Kim Ju-ae.” (Rodong Sinmun, November 2022)
◆ Is Kim Jong-un really any different from the rest of us?
―― Is anyone criticizing her?
A: One elderly person living a difficult life said, “She’ll have nothing to envy in the world because she’s the daughter of the Supreme Leader.” The state security agency probably has gotten word of that comment.
―― What kind of things do people intimate with each other say?
A: One of my relatives said that “They say (Kim Jong-un) is like God, but he has a child, so he’s just like the rest of us.” I also wonder if he’s really that different from us. That being said, saying even that could be construed as insulting Kim Jong-un, so we can’t go around saying something like that.
※ “(We have) nothing to envy in the world” is a common phrase used in North Korea that suggests anyone who complains about an equal society ruled by the Supreme Leader will not be forgiven.
◆ Rumors suggest that she’s a genius and even advising her father
―― How have people responded to the appearance of “Kim Ju-ae”?
B: Oh, the jajae (a respectful term used to describe another’s child) photographed (and published in state media)? People can’t say what they really think. Who would dare talk about the daughter of the Supreme Leader? All they are openly curious about is her age, what school she attends, and whether the Kims have a son.
―― What rumors are spreading about her?
B: The Kims’ son still seems to be young. People don’t really know how many kids the Kim family has, anyway. There’s a rumor that Kim Jong-un took his daughter to the missile testing site because she’s a great genius and she’s advising her father.
◆ A future leader? Ridiculous, people say
―― When Kim Jong-un dies, do you think his daughter could rule the country?
B: That’s ridiculous. It’s nonsensical for her to become Supreme Leader, a position that has been handed down in the Kim family for generations. Moreover, it doesn’t make sense because she’s a girl, not a boy. The state controls its people and teaches them that.
―― People’s lives are tough, so do you think they can be unconditionally loyal and grateful to the leader?
B: No, but people are taught to shut their eyes, noses, mouths, and ears and be loyal just to the Supreme Leader. This nation is just a big pig sty.
◆ People can’t express criticism because they’re scared
―― They say her name is “Kim Ju-ae.” Do you think she’s cute or looks smart?
B: Work colleagues talk about how ridiculous it is for the leader to bring his daughter around on official business. Parents with kids her age are more worried about ensuring they have enough to eat at the table. Children (of the leader) are probably all geniuses. When Kim Jong-un first appeared publicly, they said he was a “great genius” and a “genius of geniuses.” They’re doing that again, so it just seems like a ploy. She’s just a person like us.
――Why do you think she was taken to the missile testing site?
B: I can’t say. We had no idea about anyone else in Kim Jong-un’s family except for Ri Sol Ju (his wife) until now. Now that the daughter has appeared, everyone’s curious about her. However, people will get into big trouble if they talk about her. The authorities continue to investigate the ideological tendencies of the people as part of efforts to crackdown on rumormongering. Everyone’s being careful about what they say because even a trivial remark could lead to the authorities seeking out the source and put that person in big trouble.
At this point in time, ASIAPRESS was unable to confirm from its reporting partners that Kim Jong-un’s daughter is named “Kim Ju-ae.” While it seems clear that rumors are spreading throughout the country about her being a genius, the authorities could have intentionally spread these rumors among the population.
※ ASIAPRESS smuggles Chinese cell phones into North Korea to communicate with its reporting partners.
asiapress.org
9. Chinese residents in Seoul join 'white paper' protests against Beijing's COVID policy
South Korea must not give in to pressure from the PRC to ahlt these protests. South Korea must stand up for our common universal values such as freedom of expression.
Chinese residents in Seoul join 'white paper' protests against Beijing's COVID policy
The Korea Times · December 1, 2022
A protester holds a sign that reads, "Free China #No Xi Jinping !! CCP," at a rally in Seoul, Wednesday. Yonhap
'Protest may subside but frustrations won't. It could happen again,' scholar says
By Jung Min-ho
Chinese residents held a rally in Seoul Wednesday night in a rare ― if not unprecedented ― gathering here against the stringent COVID-19 measures in their home country, demanding freedom and human rights while covering their faces due to the fear of being persecuted.
Around 100 protesters gathered in a street near Hongik University, a popular area for young people, to pay their respects to the victims of a blaze last week in Urumqi, the capital of Xinjiang Province in Western China, and express their fury over the lockdown measures, which were blamed for delaying firefighters from saving them.
Some held up signs reading "Free China" and "Dictator Out" as well as blank white pieces of paper ― a symbol of defiance against Beijing's censorship ― as similar protests across China and beyond took place, in the boldest display of dissent against the Chinese authorities since the Tiananmen Square demonstrations in 1989.
At the Seoul gathering, which was organized through social media, people vocally condemned the Chinese government's strict virus restrictions known as the "zero-COVID" strategy. For nearly three years, the signature policy of President Xi Jinping has been to keep the infection and death rates low compared to other countries, at the expense of the economy and people's freedom of movement.
Protesters gather to pay their respects to the fire victims in Xinjiang during a rally in Seoul, Wednesday. Strict lockdown measures were blamed for delaying firefighters from saving the victims. Yonhap
A Chinese resident who participated in the rally said that she decided to do so in order to show solidarity with her compatriots who are frustrated by the draconian COVID policy.
"I have never been able to visit my family in China since the beginning of COVID-19 … I don't want the zero-COVID policy or the health QR code. I want basic human rights," she told the JoongAng Ilbo, a local daily.
Speaking to The Korea Times, a longtime human rights activist for China, who didn't want to be named, said it takes a lot of courage ― and is a major risk ― to raise one's voice against the Chinese Communist Party.
"They (protesters) might be questioned over the protest that they took part in when, or even before, they arrive home," he said.
Just three years ago in the Hongik University area, Chinese students made headlines for the opposite reason: In a counter-rally against those criticizing Beijing's attempt to suppress the democracy of Hong Kong, they fiercely defended their government. This time, no such move was observed.
Residents confront health officials who are blocking the entrance of a residential compound amid a COVID-19 outbreak in Shanghai, China, in this image obtained from a social media video released Wednesday. Reuters-Yonhap
All this suggests the severe depth of the frustrations felt by many Chinese, especially among the younger generation, according to Lee Sang-man, a professor at the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University.
"The protests, which are unprecedented, appear to be organized by undergraduate students in their early 20s. They are the generation after the nation's reform and open-door policy, which brought economic prosperity. They grew up with more individual rights and freedoms, and may react more sensitively if they feel their interests are violated by the government's policy," Lee said.
He believes the protests will likely lead to the relaxation of some COVID measures, but not the abolition of them. He also said, if protests spread further, Xi will use whatever means necessary to contain them.
"The protests may subside. But it could happen again," he said. "Other countries are putting the COVID crisis behind them. But for China, this may well be the beginning of a health and political crisis."
On Wednesday, China's Vice Premier Sun Chunlan, who oversees the nation's COVID efforts, reportedly suggested that some of the anti-virus measures would be eased in the coming days as China was entering a "new stage" in its epidemic control despite rising case numbers.
The Korea Times · December 1, 2022
10. US to Announce New North Korea-Related Sanctions Today
US to Announce New North Korea-Related Sanctions Today
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-01/us-to-announce-new-north-korea-related-sanctions-on-thursday?sref=hhjZtX76
ByJennifer Jacobs
December 1, 2022 at 11:47 PM GMT+8
The Biden administration plans to issue new sanctions against North Korea to punish Pyongyang for recent missile tests, according to two people familiar with the matter.
North Korea is already under comprehensive US sanctions, so it isn’t clear what else in the country the administration can target. One of the people said the new sanctions would focus on Pyongyang’s revenue, without elaborating.
The people asked not to be identified ahead of an official announcement.
11. Air Force launches Space Operations Squadron
Air Force launches Space Operations Squadron | Yonhap News Agency
en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · December 1, 2022
SEOUL, Dec. 1 (Yonhap) -- South Korea's Air Force launched an integrated unit for space operations in a city just south of Seoul on Thursday, as the country seeks to bolster defense capabilities in the increasingly crucial security domain.
Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Jung Sang-hwa hosted a ceremony to mark the launch of the Space Operations Squadron at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek, 65 kilometers south of Seoul. Maj. Kim Jong-ha has been appointed to lead the squadron.
"The creation of the squadron symbolizes the strong will of the Air Force focusing on strengthening space operations capabilities," Kim said. "I will do my utmost to ensure that the squadron will be at the forefront of space operations."
The squadron is an organization born by integrating existing units, including the Space Operations Unit launched in 2019 to carry out various missions, such as the space debris fallout forecast.
Two other units -- the Space Intelligence Center under the Air Force's Space Center and the Satellite Control Center under the Air Intelligence Wing -- have also been integrated into the squadron.
The squadron now consists of five divisions, including the Space Operations Center, Space Surveillance Team and Satellite Control Team.
It plans to conduct various missions, such as monitoring space objects during peacetime and wartime, disseminating information on potential space threats and controlling military surveillance satellites that South Korea plans to deploy in the future, according to the Air Force.
The squadron will also seek to bolster space cooperation with the United States, officials said.
sshluck@yna.co.kr
(END)
en.yna.co.kr · by 송상호 · December 1, 2022
12. US working with Seoul, Tokyo for 'effective mix' of steps to strengthen extended deterrence
Kim Jong Un is most responsible for improved trilateral (ROK, Japan, US) cooperation. Thank you Mr.Kim for continuing to employ a failing strategy.
US working with Seoul, Tokyo for 'effective mix' of steps to strengthen extended deterrence
The Korea Times · December 1, 2022
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks during a press briefing at the White House in Washington, DC, Nov. 10. EPA-Yonhap
A senior White House official said Thursday the U.S. is seeking an "effective mix" of measures to bolster extended deterrence for its Northeast Asian allies against evolving military threats by North Korea.
"We're working within our alliances, with both the Republic of Korea and Japan to develop an effective mix of tangible measures to this end and specific practical steps to take to strengthen the extended deterrence commitment," National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said via video links during a forum in Seoul co-hosted by South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper and the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).
Sullivan said they include a "more visible regional presence of U.S. strategic capabilities" and the resumption of the Seoul-Washington Extended Deterrence Strategy and Consultation Group (EDSCG), which was held for the first time in five years in Washington in September.
He said the leaders of South Korea and the U.S. spent "a considerable amount of time talking through the extended deterrence issue" at a bilateral summit held in Cambodia last month. He stopped short of sharing details of what was discussed.
Sullivan said Washington's relevant dialogues with Seoul and Tokyo are underlined by President Joe Biden's stated commitment to engage in "more cooperative decision-making" involving the allies on the matter.
"He will follow through on it, and that includes deeper deliberations with allies on sensitive nuclear weapons issues, both in bilateral format and in multilateral formats," the official added.
He made no specific mention of whether Washington could consider the redeployment of tactical nuclear weapons to Korea, while stressing that Pyongyang would face a higher price if it continues major provocations. The allies say the North is seen as being technically ready for another underground nuclear test.
With regard to Korea's concerns about the impact from the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), Sullivan voiced optimism for a "win-win" resolution.
"I have an underlying confidence in what this law has to offer and the ways in which we can effectively work together to ensure it is a win-win," Sullivan said.
The act, signed into law by Biden, has sparked concerns that Korean automakers could lose ground in the U.S. market due to a tax credit provision on electric vehicles assembled only in North America. (Yonhap)
The Korea Times · December 1, 2022
13.
De Oppresso Liber,
David Maxwell
Senior Fellow, Foundation for Defense of Democracies
Senior Fellow, Global Peace Foundation
Senior Advisor, Center for Asia Pacific Strategy
Editor, Small Wars Journal
Twitter: @davidmaxwell161
Phone: 202-573-8647
email: david.maxwell161@gmail.com
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