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North Korea has, in recent years, become the focus of the international community for a multitude of reasons. Their bizarre behaviors, general disregard for international law, and the stunning lack of information that common citizens worldwide have on the country have cast them into the spotlight of curious onlookers worldwide. As one discovers more about the country, the question inevitably is raised: How has it existed for so long and what can be done to reform the isolated nation? In this paper, North Korea: Changing Political Culture in the 21st Century, the "North Korea Question" is explored in depth, charting the country to its origins and developing a narrative to understand who they have survived — against all odds — for so long. Using historical analysis coupled with insightful economic data, the North Korea question is tackled with specific regard to applying the successful Chinese Great Leap Forward economic models to the North Korean economy. Such reforms have been touted by academics as a cure all for the nation that could reform the entire regime. However, I develop the argument that this style of reform is not possibility as long as the Kim regime is in power. In order to maintain their iron grip on power, complete socioeconomic reliance traces its way back to the State, and ultimately the cult of personality surrounding the Kims.
