This analysis suggests that path dependence is a relevant concept in the North Korean context, and it thus contributes to a forecast with complete confidence the future policy directions of the Kim Jong-un regime, but in the light of such path dependence in action, one can reasonably conclude that unless some dramatic events intervene to disrupt the flow of events, the prospects of the Kim Jong-un regime breaking away from the old policies and ideologies and adopting policies of reform and opening up are slim.