Is Kim following Deng Xiaoping's path in transforming North Korea?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un walks with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the former's visit to China from March 25 to 28. / Yonhap

By Choi Ha-young

After North Korean leader Kim Jong-un put emphasis on economic development in tandem with his move toward denuclearization, experts say the young leader may pursue economic reform in the same way as Deng Xiaoping did in transforming China.

Deng, who led China from the 1970s to 90s, opened the nation's door to the global economy with his iconic "cat theory" that refers to the phrase, "It doesn't matter whether a cat is black or white, as long as it catches mice." As he stated, China adopted a market economy out of its planned economic system, which produced a notable economic presence.

In a meeting of the central committee of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea, Friday, Kim declared a move toward "socialist economic development," saying the nation has "verified the completion of its nuclear weapons."

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Former Unification Minister Jeong Se-hyun said Kim's remarks were a message to the U.S. and South Korea to prepare an economic cooperation plan before the separate summits between the three nations. "In return for ditching its existing nuclear weapons, the North is eyeing a peace treaty and the establishment of diplomatic relations with the U.S.," Jeong said in a radio interview Monday.

These are the steps China took in the past. China, which was absorbed in nuclear development in the 1960s, normalized relations with the United States in 1972.

Cheong Seong-chang, a senior research fellow at the Sejong Institute, stated that Kim is set to ditch nuclear programs. The central committee meeting aims for a "soft landing" ahead of the nuclear-armed country's official declaration for denuclearization, according to Cheong.

"Whether Kim could become 'North Korea's Deng Xiaoping' is up to the international community. It's only possible when the international community guarantees security of the North and gives the nation a chance for economic development," Cheong said in an email sent to journalists, Monday.

However, it's premature to say that Kim is ready to adopt a Chinese model right away. Before declaring an open market policy, the leader must resolve the nuclear issue and normalize relations with the U.S., said Koh Yu-hwan, a North Korean studies professor at Dongguk University.

"Right away, Kim's goal is the development of science and technology, in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution," Koh said. "From the point of view as an outsider, an open market is necessary to develop the reclusive country's economy, but Kim can't do so until he overcomes diplomatic isolation."

Further, revision of its ideology is essential for free trade with the world. "Before then, Kim will partly implement an open market policy through special economic zones," Koh added.