You know, there’s something weird about North Korea. Of course you know: That’s why you’re here. Any number of true sentences can, and do, begin that way or state this sentiment.

In-your-face weirdness is one thing. But sometimes the DPRK’s strangeness is less obvious. As you watch or ponder, something clicks and you think: Hang on. This, too, is not normal.

Another useful tip: Don’t just look at what is happening in North Korea. Look also, and think hard about, what’s not happening. As a French theorist might put it: Read the absences, too.

In that spirit, I venture to