North Korea, under Kim Jong Un’s “20×10 Regional Development Policy,” aims to address regional shortages of essential goods by constructing industry factories in 20 cities and counties annually over the next decade. This initiative seeks to showcase progress ahead of the Workers’ Party’s 80th anniversary in 2025 and mitigate discontent from Pyongyang-centric policies. While it may temporarily ease regional discontent, its success depends on continuous central government support. If it falters, it could worsen dissatisfaction and weaken Kim Jong Un’s authority. Despite this development push, North Korea’s commitment to nuclear development remains unchanged. The regional development initiative is viewed as a short-term measure to alleviate internal grievances and bolster internal control amid negotiations with the United States and potential provocations against South Korea. This underscores the need for South Korea to brace itself for diplomatic and security hurdles.

This article is an English Summary of Asan Issue Brief (2024-14).

(‘북한의 ‘지방공업 발전 정책’ 평가’)