15/1/2021: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) flexed their updated hard power, parading new rocket launchers and ballistic missiles.
A gleeful Kim Jong Un watched over this scene alongside his sister, who has allegedly been demoted, perhaps to prevent her growing hostility towards South Korea and the U.S harming the DPRK's newfound softer influence. Five days later, Joe Biden became the 46th president of the United States.
During Trump's presidency, Kim Jong Un showed us his contemporary western persona, hailing from his student years in Switzerland. Their bromance gave us weak, but incredibly symbolic foundations of perhaps a new DPRK. However, after denuclearisation negotiations with Trump in Hanoi failed, relations became stagnant (except for the odd political flirt and press opportunity, for example at the Korean Demilitarised Zone).
The future is uncertain, but as the Biden administration has already reversed many of Trump's policies, DPRK relations will likely follow this trend. As the DPRK is faced with a crumbling economy, widespread flooding, COVID-19 and economic sanctions, perhaps Pyongyang will be more willing to cooperate. If the DPRK is willing to westernise, we could see a gradual dismantlement of their nuclear program, in exchange for sanctions relief.
Written by Eve Nicholson
Artwork by Delicia
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