Over the weekend, the world watched with a mixture of fascination and bewilderment as the Wagner Group, the infamous Russian paramilitary organization, seized control of two cities in an audacious coup attempt — only for the group’s commander to abruptly call off the entire endeavor a day later.

North Korea quickly voiced support for Russian leader Vladimir Putin, expressing confidence that Russian forces would defeat the Wagner Group rebellion.

But while natural to wonder if such dramatic events could unfold in the DPRK, a closer look at the situation in the two countries makes clear that Kim Jong Un need