Girding for 'Implosion'
North Korea may be collapsing. The risk of conflict isn't
Source: Republic of Korea embassy, Bank of Korea, International Institute for Strategic Studies
CULT LEADER Rare white sea cucumber heralds Dear Leader Isolated for half a century, North Korea has managed to nurture and preserve a cult of personality around its leaders as no other nation in recent times. Here are some reports of the many and varied accomplishments of "Dear Leader" Kim Jong Il from North Korea's official news services:
Sept. 22, 1997: "Fishermen . . . caught a 10-centimeter-long white sea cucumber while fishing . . . off Chongjin. They said the rare white sea cucumber has come to hail the auspicious event of electing comrade Kim Jong Il as party general secretary."
May 7, 1997: "Kim Jong Il is the savior of present-day human music, who opened a new epoch of music. . . . He is a great teacher of music . . . and a rare great statesman who paves the glorious way for the cause of independence by making use of music as an almighty weapon."
March 21, 1997: Visit to an Army outpost on Cho Island: "After mounting a forward command post, exposed to rain and wind, [Kim] stood by a map of operations when the black rain cloud cleared and bright sun rays spread. People say that even heaven ensures the personal safety of Gen. Kim Jong Il, working mysterious wonders."
March 22, 1996: Kim Jong Il "is energetically working round the clock. It was on the early morning of the New Year day of 1976. An official, worried about Kim Jong Il's health, entered his office and earnestly hoped he would take even a few hours of rest. But Kim Jong Il said: 'If a locomotive pauses, its cars also stand still. If our party, the locomotive of the revolution, stops . . . it will delay the revolution.' Then he continued working in his office."
Jan. 25, 1996: "Kim Jong Il is a great maker of witty remarks: 'Trust produces loyal subjects, but doubt produces traitors,' 'Those who love the future have nothing impossible to do.' These remarks become policies and strategies for all domains such as building the party, the state, the Army, the economy and culture, and even ethical problems in everyday life. Fully reflected in the remarks are his clairvoyant wisdom, sound judgment, extensive knowledge, manifold attainments, rich experiences, and skillful linguistic ability."
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