North Korea at a Crossroads

Abstract

The North Korean dictator, Kim Jong-Il´s sudden death on December 17, 2011 has raised serious concerns among the experts on North Korea and the international community over the future of the regime and the stability in the Korean peninsula. Kim Jung-Un, the chosen heir by his father, Kim Jong- Il one year before his death lacks experience in governing. The very speedy setting up of dynastic succession might bring a possible destabilization and potential threat on the security of the Korean Peninsula and the Northeast Asia. While some experts are optimistic that Kim Jung-Un, might introduce reform, other North Korean observers have little hope of the regime change due to the power elite behind the young inexperienced puppet leader.