The Hermit Kingdom

Kim Jong-un, the heir-apparent and son of Kim Jong-il, issued his first military order just before the announcement of his father's death this week, which some sources claim is the proof of young Kim's control over the military. 

Photo by AP

 
The North's state media reported Kim Jong-il's death Monday, two days after it occurred.  Before the the news of passing was announced, Kim Jong-un ordered all military units to stop field exercises and training and return to their bases.

"This is a direct example showing Kim Jong-un's complete control over the military," the source said, adding the move also indicated that the younger Kim is poised to become the top commander of the North's 1.1 million-strong military.

And so on... 


Above paragraphs are based on newest Korea Times articles about prospective difficulties of Kim Jung Un to seize power. Literally everyone around the world expects it. 


If I was to guess and make a bet, I bet there won't be bigger problem with power transfer than it usually is in any hereditary system with several wings of power. Normally parents of the heir have to buy loyalty of those who could try to destroy their plans. If the loyalty cannot be bought with priviledges, then opponents have to be removed anyhow else. 


Such game is ahead of Kim Jung Un. My bet is there is already a dynasty of Kims in an Hermit Kingdom. 


If nothing surprising happens this will just go on. Unless there is a military coup d'etat and the military modernizes country. But I would not bet on it.

And what do you think?

The fear is in Washington

I have just remembered the attitude of my folks to me, when I was packing my stuff for the journey to Korea.

"Ain't you scared? There will be a war soon!!! Are you crazy?!!!"

These are some of the most typical remarks. Not that someone is particularly protective about me, but yet, annoying comments were there.

When I applied for the visa, the embassy was empty. It was just after the panic raised by media after Kim Jong Il's attempted nuclear test.

The headlines screamed about rising tensions and possible outbreak of the war in Korea again after 60 years.

I ignored that, knowing that media are hardly ever right especially about far corners of the world.

After coming to Korea it has been some time before I dared to have an opinion about these issues.

Now I do have one and it is not a nice one, especially not for Reuters, AFP, AP and other agencies.

In my opinion the entire fear is created in Washington and spread around the world. No reporter actually sits in Seoul for years like it used to be in the old times, and does not cover events as he or she should.

If they had done their job properly, the world would know about South - North dialogue more, would know about reconciliation process, and would simply know about that North blackmails South each time there is a hunger or shortages. Would know about special economic zones and other things.

Where they can know about it then from? Yeah, you are right, from Wikipedia :) And from bloggers.

But I do have doubts if people can learn about it from Washington Post. Same for Frankfurter AZ, The Times and the others which would follow unsubstantiated psychosis of fear.

One thing pops up to my mind though? There are international troops in South Korea. Do they report what really happens? What do they say? To whom? How high can their reports reach? How is it interpreted?

Of course I do not claim that Kim Jong Il is not dangerous. The danger is there in the air and that is why each time North threatens South, Seoul aids them with economic goods, food and other things, especially because Korean chebols can become competitive on global markets having cheap goods in decent standard.

When will I read an up to date analysis in Western media...?