TLDR;
This video explores the challenges Kim Jong-un faces as the leader of North Korea, examining whether he will continue the oppressive legacy of his family or transition towards becoming a more modern and legitimate leader. It highlights North Korea's reliance on illegal activities to fund its regime, Kim Jong-un's brief engagement with the international community, and the assassination of his half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, painting a picture of a leader at a crossroads.
- Kim Jong-un is at a turning point, deciding between maintaining his family's dictatorial rule and pursuing legitimate leadership.
- North Korea depends on illicit activities like drug trafficking and cybercrime to sustain its economy and regime.
- The assassination of Kim Jong-nam underscores the ruthless measures taken to consolidate power.
Introduction: Kim Jong-un's Dilemma [0:00]
Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of North Korea, faces a critical decision as he enters his tenth year of rule. He must choose between upholding the Kim dynasty's legacy of oppressive communism and transforming North Korea into a legitimate, modern state. This decision point is likened to "The Godfather Part III," where Michael Corleone seeks to legitimise his family's criminal empire. The video poses the question of whether Kim Jong-un will embrace reform or perpetuate the rogue state status established by his predecessors.
North Korea's Illicit Economy [0:30]
North Korea functions as a vast criminal enterprise due to severe economic sanctions. The country generates approximately $2 billion annually through illegal activities such as drug trafficking, counterfeiting, and cybercrime. These illicit funds are essential for sustaining Kim Jong-un's regime. The video highlights the contradiction between potential international engagement and the necessity of criminal activities for survival.
Brief Engagement with the International Community [0:48]
There was a period where Kim Jong-un appeared to be opening up to the international community, attending foreign visits with his wife and meeting with various heads of state. However, this progress was abruptly reversed in 2017, signalling a return to more isolationist and aggressive policies.
The Assassination of Kim Jong-nam [0:57]
Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-un's half-brother and a former potential successor, was assassinated in 2017. He had been living in China and was critical of the North Korean regime. It is revealed that Kim Jong-nam was a CIA informant, providing information about Kim Jong-un. This act of betrayal led Kim Jong-un to order his assassination.
The Kuala Lumpur Assassination [1:50]
On 13 February 2017, Kim Jong-nam was assassinated at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Two women, who were unknowingly recruited and trained by North Korean agents under the guise of a TV prank show, carried out the assassination using a deadly nerve agent. Kim Jong-nam sought medical assistance but died shortly after the attack, eliminating a potential threat to Kim Jong-un's power.
