ID :
98959
Sat, 01/09/2010 - 07:51
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/98959
The shortlink copeid
N. Korean rhetoric triggers speculation over next leader
SEOUL, Jan. 8 (Yonhap) -- Is it a toast to the future of North Korea, or to that
of a veiled 27-year-old man who outsiders believe will succeed the omnipotent
leader of Asia's only communist dynasty?
The Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, on Friday
released an editorial that summarized its typically rhetorical spirit by
proposing a toast to the future of the state.
The oratory came as the world scrutinized the secretive country for signs that
may indicate that a celebration is underway for the birthday of Kim Jong-eun, the
youngest son of leader Kim Jong-il, who rules the country with an iron fist and
nuclear ambitions.
"Toast, toast to the endlessly bright future of Chosun (North Korea) that will
resemble the shape of the sun and the holy land of Baekdu," the editorial said.
Baekdu, the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula, is mentioned in the North
Korean press to signify the lineage of Kim Jong-il, who inherited his power from
Kim Il-sung, the country's founder, who died in 1994.
Following a reported stroke that kept him from appearing in public for months in
2008, Kim Jong-il bolstered his efforts to transfer his power to his third son,
South Korean officials believe.
But only gauzy details have emerged about Jong-eun, who reportedly attended a
school in Europe and out of Kims three sons, is said to resemble his father the
most in both personality and appearance.
Daily NK, a South Korean media outlet that focuses on North Korea news, reported
Friday that the North declared a national holiday on Jan. 8 to honor Jong-eun's
birthday.
Multiple officials at South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles affairs
involving North Korea, said they have yet to check the report. The officials, who
spoke on condition of anonymity because they were speaking on unconfirmed
matters, said this week that preparations appeared to be underway for low-key
celebrations for Jong-eun's birthday in Pyongyang.
"There is no effort underway to designate Jan. 8 as a public anniversary, but
movements are popping up here and there, indicating that internal events are
being prepared," one official said.
"It's premature to think that Kim Jong-eun's birthday has become a national
holiday," said Kim Keun-shik, a professor who teaches North Korean issues at
Kyungnam University.
"Kim Jong-il's birthday became one only in the mid-1990s, when it was a fait
accompli that the man was the next leader of North Korea," he said. "High-profile
celebrations are unlikely for his young son when it remains unclear what his
capabilities as a leader are."
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
of a veiled 27-year-old man who outsiders believe will succeed the omnipotent
leader of Asia's only communist dynasty?
The Rodong Sinmun, the newspaper of the North's ruling Workers' Party, on Friday
released an editorial that summarized its typically rhetorical spirit by
proposing a toast to the future of the state.
The oratory came as the world scrutinized the secretive country for signs that
may indicate that a celebration is underway for the birthday of Kim Jong-eun, the
youngest son of leader Kim Jong-il, who rules the country with an iron fist and
nuclear ambitions.
"Toast, toast to the endlessly bright future of Chosun (North Korea) that will
resemble the shape of the sun and the holy land of Baekdu," the editorial said.
Baekdu, the highest mountain on the Korean Peninsula, is mentioned in the North
Korean press to signify the lineage of Kim Jong-il, who inherited his power from
Kim Il-sung, the country's founder, who died in 1994.
Following a reported stroke that kept him from appearing in public for months in
2008, Kim Jong-il bolstered his efforts to transfer his power to his third son,
South Korean officials believe.
But only gauzy details have emerged about Jong-eun, who reportedly attended a
school in Europe and out of Kims three sons, is said to resemble his father the
most in both personality and appearance.
Daily NK, a South Korean media outlet that focuses on North Korea news, reported
Friday that the North declared a national holiday on Jan. 8 to honor Jong-eun's
birthday.
Multiple officials at South Korea's Unification Ministry, which handles affairs
involving North Korea, said they have yet to check the report. The officials, who
spoke on condition of anonymity because they were speaking on unconfirmed
matters, said this week that preparations appeared to be underway for low-key
celebrations for Jong-eun's birthday in Pyongyang.
"There is no effort underway to designate Jan. 8 as a public anniversary, but
movements are popping up here and there, indicating that internal events are
being prepared," one official said.
"It's premature to think that Kim Jong-eun's birthday has become a national
holiday," said Kim Keun-shik, a professor who teaches North Korean issues at
Kyungnam University.
"Kim Jong-il's birthday became one only in the mid-1990s, when it was a fait
accompli that the man was the next leader of North Korea," he said. "High-profile
celebrations are unlikely for his young son when it remains unclear what his
capabilities as a leader are."
samkim@yna.co.kr
(END)
