"No Records, No History: Assessing the Viability of Utilizing North Korean Official Publications"

When was North Korea's state system formed? There are varying opinions on this matter. Some suggest it was in the 1930s when the country was actively engaged in anti-Japanese activities. Others argue for the 1960s, citing the establishment of a unitary system, while some point to the 1980s when the successor system was solidified. However, the 1950s are often considered the pivotal period, as it was during this decade that the foundational elements of the social and economic system were put in place. Pyongyang was designated as the capital city, and significant growth occurred in the industrial sector.

In light of these historical considerations, we have organized three lectures aimed at delving into the process of North Korea's National System Building during the 1950s. Through these lectures, we aim to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of North Korea's new strategy in the 2000s, centered around the reconstruction of its national system.

Lecturer:

Dr. Gwang-oon Kim (김광운) Visiting Research Professor Emeritus, The Institute for Far Eastern Studies(IFES)

He has long been engaged in researching Korean history within the National History Compilation Committee (국사편찬위원회). His relentless pursuit of sources related to modern Korean history spans over two decades. As a result, he commenced the publication of 'The Annals of North Korea (북조선실록)' in 2018. As of 2023, this series comprises a total of 170 volumes, meticulously organizing materials exclusively from the years 1945 to 1956. The goal of this series is to encompass publications up to the year 1994.