(CNN) -- North Korea's longtime leader Kim Jong Il, the embodiment of the reclusive state where his cult of personality is deeply entrenched, has died.
He was believed to be 69.
Regarded as one of the world's most-repressive leaders, Kim Jong Il always cut a slightly bizarre figure. His diminutive stature and characteristically bouffant hair have been parodied by some in the West.
"He's a mysterious person -- I think by design," said Han S. Park, director of the Center for the Study of Global Issues at the University of Georgia and a frequent visitor to North Korea. "Mystery is a source of leverage and power. It's maintaining uncertainty."
But for the citizens of his Democratic People's Republic of Korea, Kim was well regarded.
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Even though many say that his son is even crazier than him, I still see this transition of power as an opportunity for North Korea to open up to the world. My argument is that, unlike his father, Kim Jong Un has traveled around the world and may even have been educated in the Western World (Switzerland). This influence may drive him to open up the Hermit Kingdom to the rest of the world... Or he could be even more dilusional. You never really know until it happens.
ReplyDeleteZane H4
I don't think that this will change much for the rest of the world. North Korea will still probably go around and do their own thing and isolate themselves from the rest of the world. His son will probably not do anything to change that.
ReplyDeleteSid H7
I agree with sid, because this isn't going to change much since North Korea is so communist. Even though his son is taking over this is not going to change anything. North Korea might be more communist than ever since the guy is so young.
ReplyDeleteThanousay k. 7
I agree with smart Sid, he knows whats going on. North Korea will be isolated from the rest of the world because they have for such a long time already. I would be rattled if they don't keep to themselves anymore.
DeleteChris per 7
I agree with Sid too. It won't change much for the whole world. But it'll change quite a bit for North Korea. From what I've heard, Kim Jong Il was a terrible leader and the people really suffered under him. They were probably not allowed to say that to the press, though. Many Koreans were relieved, when he died, but they are not sure, if his son is better or worse than him. I can just hope for that country, that he's not as bad as his father and that he'll be a good leader, to put North Korea back on track. Because I think, they're not too big in worldbusinesses, nobody really knows, whats going on there. I mean it's always sad, when a person dies, but when that person is so mean to other people, that probably thousands of other people die, I believe it's better to let him die, than the innocent citizens of North Korea.
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ReplyDeleteIsabel S. 7
I also agree with six because as he said why would Kim Jungs son do differently than his father did when it seems it kept the country under control and his family in power, North Korea will probably stay the same as it was before even thouhgt they under a different leader there new leader was raised by there prevois leader and probanly has the same kind of beliefs.
ReplyDeleteJoel U. U.S. 7
I think that we should make ot so that we have two States that have a majority that is some what equal between both parties. This way if one candidate stands out more they will get more votes. If the same two states keep voting first, they will make all of our decisions in the election.
ReplyDeleteGretta B. P3.
I published this in the wrong section... it was supposed to be with the Iowa and new Hampshire voting...
Deletegretta
This seems to be a huge deal for North Korea since everywhere on the news whenever you see something about this, you see people crying and weeping on TV while going to his funeral like it was doomsday. Event though he was a communist, his people seem to adore him. So I'm not sure how Korea's going to fare with the new heir. South Korea and the U.S are probably super duper happy Kim Il Jung died. Bad news is, he's son, which he probably raised to walk the same path as he did, is now taking reign. Although I don't think he'd be in power for long.
ReplyDeleteTanoy S. P3
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