10 years of Kim Jong Un: What was his best decision so far?



Analysis 10 years of Kim Jong Un: What was his best decision so far? More than 80 experts vote on Kim’s smartest calls for sustaining his rule, from ballistic missiles to ties with Beijing Chad O'Carroll December 6, 2021 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON NK News \| Mosaic of Kim Jong Un at a mass games event in July 2019 This month marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un suddenly inherited power after his father, Kim Jong Il, died of a heart attack on Dec. 17, 2011. The younger Kim was in his late 20s at the time, and North Korean state media had only introduced him around a year before — meaning that experts were quick to cast doubt on his capacity to lead the country. “Whether it comes apart in the next few weeks or over several months, the regime will not be able to hold together after the untimely death of its leader, Kim Jong-il,” former White House Asian Affairs director Victor Cha wrote just two days into Kim Jong Un’s leadership era. This month marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un suddenly inherited power after his father, Kim Jong Il, died of a heart attack on Dec. 17, 2011. The younger Kim was in his late 20s at the time, and North Korean state media had only introduced him around a year before — meaning that experts were quick to cast doubt on his capacity to lead the country. “Whether it comes apart in the next few weeks or over several months, the regime will not be able to hold together after the untimely death of its leader, Kim Jong-il,” former White House Asian Affairs director Victor Cha wrote just two days into Kim Jong Un’s leadership era. Try unlimited access Only $1 for four weeks Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

10 years of Kim Jong Un: What was his best decision so far?

More than 80 experts vote on Kim’s smartest calls for sustaining his rule, from ballistic missiles to ties with Beijing

Chad O'Carroll December 6, 2021

10 years of Kim Jong Un: What was his best decision so far?

NK News | Mosaic of Kim Jong Un at a mass games event in July 2019

This month marks 10 years since Kim Jong Un suddenly inherited power after his father, Kim Jong Il, died of a heart attack on Dec. 17, 2011. The younger Kim was in his late 20s at the time, and North Korean state media had only introduced him around a year before — meaning that experts were quick to cast doubt on his capacity to lead the country.

“Whether it comes apart in the next few weeks or over several months, the regime will not be able to hold together after the untimely death of its leader, Kim Jong-il,” former White House Asian Affairs director Victor Cha wrote just two days into Kim Jong Un’s leadership era.