Political Transition in North Korea in the Kim Jong-un Era: Elites’ Policy Choices

North Korea has already begun the process of transition, the patterns of which will be determined by the elites’ choice. System transition in North Korea may unfold in one of two ways: gradual transition, with the maintenance of the Suryong (supreme leader) system of communist power and acceptance of the market economy for the well-being of the people; or radical transition accompanied by sudden political change, which may lead to conflict between competitive elite groups before Kim Jong-un has time to solidify his hold on leadership. Which path will North Korea follow? In the era of Kim Jong-un, everything depends on the competition between the party elite and military elite.