I thought it would be interesting to examine how the purge
of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un’s uncle and his associates, which is
obviously an attempt by the young strongman to consolidate power within the
regime, might be viewed by the North Korean people, other than strictly through
the Communist Party line. I suspect that
if they are able to read between the lines, despite decades of brainwashing by
the Stalinist dictatorship, the regime’s official announcement may
unintentionally undermine its public support.
As was the
case with the Czars who were frequently eliminating their advisors because of
poor advice, allegedly malevolent advisors reflect on the leaders who trust
them. Considering that Kim Jong-un’s
uncle was portrayed as a benevolent and trusted figure, the Communist regime’s
allegations about him suggest that even such revered people in the Hermit
Kingdom’s ruling family might not necessarily be what they seem. The North Korean people might begin to
suspect that the neither is the young nephew who rules them, nor anyone else
closely associated with him.
The
execution of Kim Jong-un’s uncle allegedly for treason for trying to seize control
of the regime, as well as for corruption and womanizing, suggest that political
power is something that one might be tempted to covet for its own sake – even
at the risk of one’s life – instead of being an opportunity for selfless
service to country. Seen in this light,
Kim might not necessarily continue to be viewed by the North Korean people as only
being concerned for the good of his countrymen.
Furthermore, the allegations
against Kim’s uncle demonstrate that Communist party leaders have access to
money, foreign goods and vices, while the people remain impoverished and
constantly on the brink of starvation.
Indeed, not all appears to be well in Socialist Paradise if people
steal, or want foreign goods and vices, let alone covet power for themselves instead of
exhibiting unquestioning loyalty to the Supreme Leader.
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