By Kim Young-jin
The North Korean regime is drawing attention early in the year with a series of foreign visits, apparently picking up the pace of such activities from recent years.
Analyst say the visits, including the most recent by Associated Press vice-president, John Daniszewski, who arrived Monday, may be a sign of the Kim Jong-un's growing confidence over a year into its rule.
Though the North's state media has not elaborated on the purpose of Daniszewski's trip, observers here said it may be timed for the first anniversary of the AP's news bureau in Pyongyang. It is the first Western media outlet to open such an office.
This follows the high-profile American delegation last week that included Google chairman Eric Schmidt and former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson. The "private, humanitarian" mission encouraged Pyongyang to refrain from a third nuclear test and to open up to the Internet. It also intended to check in on an American being detained by the communist state.
Also last week, a Chinese economic and trade delegation headed by Li Jinzao, vice-minister of commerce, visited Pyongyang and signed agreements on economic and technology cooperation as well of the construction of administrative building at two North Korean special economic zones.
These contrasted from last year, when the first foreign visitors were an AP delegation that arrived on Jan. 14.
Korea University professor Yoo Ho-yeol said the stream of interactions could be Pyongyang's attempt to advocate engagement at a time when Seoul and Washington are pushing for U.N. sanctions over the regime's long-range rocket launch last month.
Observers say the first anniversary of the passing of Kim's father, late dictator Kim Jong-il, on Dec. 17 and the end of the mourning period may have freed up the regime for the relatively brisk interaction.
Kim has been placing an emphasis on science and technology as a means to modernize the country's dilapidated economy. In a rare New Year's speech, he praised the successful rocket launch, saying the country should bring about a "radical turn in the building of an economic giant with the same spirit and mettle as were displayed in conquering space."
While it remains to be seen whether the regime will implement economic reforms in the coming year, it has made a series of cosmetic changes to modernize its appearance, including updates to its news broadcasts and a renovation of its capital.
The North Korean regime is drawing attention early in the year with a series of foreign visits, apparently picking up the pace of such activities from recent years.
Analyst say the visits, including the most recent by Associated Press vice-president, John Daniszewski, who arrived Monday, may be a sign of the Kim Jong-un's growing confidence over a year into its rule.
Though the North's state media has not elaborated on the purpose of Daniszewski's trip, observers here said it may be timed for the first anniversary of the AP's news bureau in Pyongyang. It is the first Western media outlet to open such an office.
This follows the high-profile American delegation last week that included Google chairman Eric Schmidt and former New Mexico governor Bill Richardson. The "private, humanitarian" mission encouraged Pyongyang to refrain from a third nuclear test and to open up to the Internet. It also intended to check in on an American being detained by the communist state.
Also last week, a Chinese economic and trade delegation headed by Li Jinzao, vice-minister of commerce, visited Pyongyang and signed agreements on economic and technology cooperation as well of the construction of administrative building at two North Korean special economic zones.
These contrasted from last year, when the first foreign visitors were an AP delegation that arrived on Jan. 14.
Korea University professor Yoo Ho-yeol said the stream of interactions could be Pyongyang's attempt to advocate engagement at a time when Seoul and Washington are pushing for U.N. sanctions over the regime's long-range rocket launch last month.
Observers say the first anniversary of the passing of Kim's father, late dictator Kim Jong-il, on Dec. 17 and the end of the mourning period may have freed up the regime for the relatively brisk interaction.
Kim has been placing an emphasis on science and technology as a means to modernize the country's dilapidated economy. In a rare New Year's speech, he praised the successful rocket launch, saying the country should bring about a "radical turn in the building of an economic giant with the same spirit and mettle as were displayed in conquering space."
While it remains to be seen whether the regime will implement economic reforms in the coming year, it has made a series of cosmetic changes to modernize its appearance, including updates to its news broadcasts and a renovation of its capital.
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