Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Kimchi Cowboy]

Does the North's recent behaviour not seem more than a little odd, even for the Norks?

They've been living in virtual isolation for years and have been relying on the good graces of their few "allies" (that's a loose and inadequate word...) to provide them with aid. They've been warned repeatedly not to pursue this program at the risk of losing their few supporters, and now it seems to be really happening. Russia and China - which has been their most staunch and loyal backer - are backing slowly out the room. Japan is suspending all shipping to/from the North. Does the South even have the capability or the political will to take up the slack? Doubtful. Who's left?

And now they're apparently prepping ANOTHER test, again in spite of warnings and promises of further consequences. Just what is the North trying to prove?

They MUST know that their regime cannot survive an all-out war, either with the US or with China / Russia. Oh yeah, they would take a lot of "imperialist dogs" out with them as they go, but go they surely will.

So what's going on? Who's REALLY behind this latest push of swagger and bellicosity? Is it KJI himself, or are their military leaders taking matters into their own hands? Is a coup in the offing?

Place your bets at the table, folks. How long do you give KJI and the current regime? Is the mighty North going to go with a whimper or a bang - or something in between?

[Nambucaveman]

KC,

According to an article posted a day or two ago that may well be true. You can find that here:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/korea/viewtopic.php?t=68617

[Yu_Bum_suk]

I think all of this is coming from KJI and his immediate backers. War is the only one way he could rally support in the North. If he's smart about it, he may be able to rally some support in the South, too, though not in the way he probably hopes.

If I were KJI and had a reckless disregard for human life and thought I and my father were the most important people in the history of the most important race, what would I do if I believed my regime were really going to collapse? I'd lob a few nukes at US military bases in Japan. The US and probably Japan would feel obligated to respond, and not only would there be the support of all the Norks but a lot of hanguk-saram from SK, too.

[Junior]

[NAVFC]

If Kim Jong Il even knows how dangerously close to the end hes coming. In totalitarian governments, many time the subordinates will be too scared to tell the reality of it all for fear of reprisals.