North Korean Universities and the “Expertization of All People on Science-Technology” Policy

This article analyzed how North Korean universities and university education conformed to the policy of “expertization of all people on science and technology” policy after Kim Jongun took power, and examined the possibilities and limitations. This policy can contribute to expanding university education opportunities such as privileges in North Korea, while increasing workers' access to information and making up for the learning deficit caused by the transition to military conscription. Universities have opportunities to play a leading role in social development, but at the same time, tasks such as establishing and operating an online/offline academic system, education and management based on learner characteristics and conditions, and field-applicable due diligence curriculum are left. However, establishing and maintaining the material basis for these contents is likely to be passed on to the people, and due to limitations in customized education, content, and academic management, there are side effects of using IT classroom as cultural/entertainment spaces. There is also a risk of excluding women, small economic workers, low-ranking workers, and a large number of workers who have difficulty making ends meet from university education opportunities. Importantly, for the successful coordination of both university/university education and “expertization of all people on science and technology” policy, the factors that will attract the majority of the people should be increased. No matter how much the authorities emphasize the talentization of all citizens' science and technology, neither this policy nor university/university education means much if the learner residents do not have much intention to participate. Qualitative improvements such as learner-centered teaching methods, competition and compensation systems, remote education and information access opportunities directly linked to good assessment at work, achievement and positive self-awareness, and satisfying knowledge interests can be expected. These efforts will be the beginning of meaningful interaction between learners and universities.