Who controls the DPRK? A brief history of North Korea conspiracy theories



Features Who controls the DPRK? A brief history of North Korea conspiracy theories Many have posited that it is not really Kim Jong Un who is pulling the strings Benjamin R. Young May 30, 2018 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON KCNA Who really holds the power in North Korea? This seemingly basic question gets at the heart of one of the most pressing questions that has faced North Korea analysts and experts since the division of the two Koreas in 1945. However, recent events on the peninsula suggest that it is indeed the aptly-named Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un who holds the power north of the DMZ. From hosting former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman to recently meeting personally with Chinese and South Koreanleaders, Kim Jong Un has shown the world that it is indeed himself that holds the reins © 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 & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

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Who controls the DPRK? A brief history of North Korea conspiracy theories

Many have posited that it is not really Kim Jong Un who is pulling the strings

Benjamin R. Young May 30, 2018

Who controls the DPRK? A brief history of North Korea conspiracy theories

KCNA

Who really holds the power in North Korea? This seemingly basic question gets at the heart of one of the most pressing questions that has faced North Korea analysts and experts since the division of the two Koreas in 1945. However, recent events on the peninsula suggest that it is indeed the aptly-named Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un who holds the power north of the DMZ.

From hosting former NBA bad boy Dennis Rodman to recently meeting personally with Chinese and South Koreanleaders, Kim Jong Un has shown the world that it is indeed himself that holds the reins

About the Author

Benjamin R. Young

Benjamin R. Young, Ph.D. has taught at Virginia Commonwealth University, Dakota State University and the U.S. Naval War College. He was a 2024-25 Stanton Foundation Nuclear Security Fellow at the RAND Corporation. He is now an Assistant Professor of Intelligence Studies at Fayetteville State University. He is the author of the book "Guns, Guerillas, and the Great Leader: North Korea and the Third World" (Stanford University Press, 2021).

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