figured it was about time we started a general, NK thread. seems like with the ascent to the throne of that pudgy little glorious leader, NK could has become quite the source of entertainment in world affairs. today for instance, NK threatens SK with preliminary and interim destruction...
A 'final destruction', presumably after a series of 'little destructions'. BTW, I'm not sure 'entertainment' is the the right word
I enjoy how NK tries to make a little hay every now and then to try to appear to be relevant - even as its people starve. I'm entertained by it because it's not like they're stupid enough to do something actually harmful or significant. the pudgy one is just trying to assert his authority and appear strong - but it's mostly meant for domestic consumption. the world powers are not really concerned about NK.
I can't recommend this book enough: The Cleanest Race: How North Koreans See Themselves and Why It Matters It's based on a study of the regime's internal rather than external propaganda. It's really eye-opening.
is anyone worried by the young Fuhrer Un, or is all this muscle flexing simply for domestic consumption? surely no one on the international scene takes him seriously...
junior doesn't ******** around or waste time! definitely not one of the TV/movie villains that likes to take his time executing the hero in some elaborate manner (think sharks (or sea bass) with laser beams), thereby giving the hero ample time to devise and carry out his escape. Jang Song Thaek, Kim Jong Un's Ousted Uncle, Reportedly Executed http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/12/jang-song-thaek-executed_n_4435294.html
Man, that is some serious crazy... from CNN: [The state-run news agency reported Jang was] the "traitor for all ages," who was accused of having attempted to overthrow the state "by all sorts of intrigues and despicable methods." ... The KCNA report described Jang as "despicable human scum Jang, who was worse than a dog," ... Jang Song Thaek, who was married to Kim's aunt, served as vice chairman of North Korea's top military body and had often been pictured beside Kim, who has ruled North Korea since his father's death in 2011. ... Kim accused Jang and his allies of double-dealing behind the scene, "dreaming different dreams" and selling the country's resources at cheap prices... Dreaming different dreams. You have to nip these things in the bud, you know. Yikes. It's like Mean Girls with Nukes.
I guess junior is now claiming to know what his top generals are dreaming about. I'd be pretty terrified if I was anywhere in the leadership circle.
Isn't that typically how these ruthless family dictatorships usually go? Daddy appoints boy in charge with strong military leader as a mentor/partner. Once some time passes and daddy is out of the picture, either son rejects and deposes military leader (who may have had more power than him in some quarters) - or there is a military coup
Perhaps the Confucian tradition of respect for ancestors, did not extend to siblings. Anyway, it's not as if this practice is limited to Korea. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fratricide "According to the story of Cain and Abel, fratricide was the first type of murder to be committed. In the mythology of ancient Rome, the city is founded as the result of a fratricide, when ... Romulus becomes Rome's first king and namesake after killing his brother." http://www.sparknotes.com/philosophy/prince/section2.rhtml "when a prince takes over ... he finds himself in a tricky situation with regard to the people who put him in power. He cannot maintain the support of these people ... But he also cannot deal too harshly with them" "the prince has to ... destroy the family of the former prince" "As a general rule, men must be either pampered or crushed." http://skeptics.stackexchange.com/questions/1809/did-the-ottoman-sultans-kill-their-own-brothers http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/4/45/Cazale_Godfather2.jpg RIP, John Cazale
looks like I was spot on... just call me Nostrominervus. Kim Jong Un's Uncle May Be The Beginning Of More Purges http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/12/13/kim-jong-uns-uncle-executed_n_4438784.html
I heard Uncle Deaddude beat a drunken Rodman with a clutch 3-pointer and the Boy Prince couldn't stand for it.