Hagiography of the Kims and the Childhood of Saints: Kim Jong-il

By | August 12, 2014

Christopher Richardson examines the mythological narrative of Kim Jong-il’s genesis, uncovering the carefully constructed combination of religion, half-truths, and state propaganda.

Saenuri Party Triumphant: #Shigak no. 10

By | August 10, 2014

The latest Shigak recaps the crucial July 30 by-elections and discusses what the Saenuri Party’s electoral victory means for South Korean politics going forward. Additional stories covered include: Korea’s rising immigrant population, issues of national identity, and the fate of private high schools, among others.

“Victory Day,” the Canonization of Kim Jong-il, and North Korean Succession Politics

By | August 02, 2014

Why did the North Korean commemorations of the July 27, 1953 Armistice dwell so heavily on Kim Jong-il, who was just a child during the Korean War? Adam Cathcart investigates how shifting histories in Pyongyang are laying the groundwork for ongoing succession narratives for the present leader.

Chosun Ilbo Surveys 100 North Koreans

By | July 28, 2014

The results of a recent survey conducted by Chosun Ilbo of visa-holding North Koreans in the Sino-North Korean borderlands offer a rare, if imperfect, glimpse of domestic public opinion in the DPRK. Christopher Green analyzes the findings.

Receive an email notificaiton when there is a new post.