Clever Dictator, Kim Jong-il

The most current edition of New York Times Magazine (October 19th), reported that the North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, who has been reputed as a “lunatic indulged in debauchery,” is one of the most clever dictators around the world.

The magazine, in a long article titled “The Last Emperor” written by Peter Mars, a guest reporter who had once been a correspondent in Seoul, analyzed the leader as clever dictator, based on the interview of Kim’s surroundings, and their literary works.

“In a typical day, Kim works 20 hours and sleeps 4 hours in order to follow any international situations through the foreign broadcasts,” passed on the magazine, adding, “The U.S. is looking up to quiet the North Korean regime or rip down their armed forces at least, but the regime is strong and can be easily restored to its former state, and is much more powerful than what we expect, so it would be hard for the U.S. to carry out its intention.”

“North Korea is already undergoing a change. If the safety and security are guaranteed, North Korea and Kim Jong-il might not be an existence of danger,” pointed out the magazine, further showing a skeptical viewpoint of Hwang Jang-yeop (80), the former secretary of the Labor party of North Korea.

“Kim Jong-il would get am ‘F’ grade for national development and the welfare of the people, but as for a dictator, he is gifted with excellent ability,” remarked Hwang during an interview with the magazine, adding, “The onlookers naively believes that North Korea is prepared for opening up. Many countries such as Korea, China (which knows North Korea best), the U.S., and many others, are being held up to ridicule.”

Kwan-Hee Hong konihong@donga.com