Where is the dictator? (2014 edition)

The Dictator Was Missing. People wanted to know where Kim Jong-un was.

It was October 2014.

There was a lot of speculation in the media about where he was.

* * *

Sam Kim of Bloomberg was one of the first to report on the dictator's absence.

***

The initial news briefing from the New York Times basically got the story right. But that didn't stop the speculation.

***

South Korean media reported early on that he had undergone ankle surgery, trying to downplay speculation about his health or rumors about a power struggle.

***

It was too late, analysts and reporters were talking to each other.

***

There was some good analysis.

***

There were jokes that are even Meme worthy today.

***

Adding to the intrigue: A visit by a delegation from the North, led by the person presumed to be second in command in the North.

***

Then when media and analysts had already declared him dead (at least, politically, in North Korea), he reappeared! The rumors that he had been suffering from gout, diabetes, a brain hemorrhage, a heart ailment, mental illness, lost in a coup, and that he was even suffering from "cheese addiction" (Daily Mail, Guardian) died out while the young dictator lived on.

***

Then came the usual self-flogging from media and analysts, foiled again.

***

The explanation about why North Korean dictator #3 had hidden himself from the media and analysts for so long.

***

This blog post is developing, more clips to be added later.

It is 2020, the dictator is missing again. People want to know if he is dead or alive, if his sister (SAY HER NAME, YOU SEXIST!) or some other member of the dictator's family will take over the family business of oppressing North Koreans, buying expensive items for themselves, and developing the nuke program.

If you enjoyed memorable trip into Kim Jong-un's life, then make a donation to support a non-profit organization that is providing free learning opportunities for North Korean refugees who escaped the Kim regime. The North Korean regime has ruled over the country for 72 years, so you could make it for $0.72, $7.20, or $72.

https://give.lovetnkr.com/en/fundraisers/Where-is-the-Missing-Dictator

https://give.lovetnkr.com/en/fundraisers/Where-is-the-Missing-Dictator

Eunkoo Lee: TNKR's #1 Settler

If I could convince TNKR co-founder Eunkoo Lee that we needed to start executing volunteers, then she would quickly come up with a schedule with their names and execution times. She would do it fairly and orderly, accepting no exceptions or changes. If I suggested a change, then an argument would start about me being "Mr. Changeable" interrupting the schedule. That is how I have worked with Eunkoo Lee over the past seven years. She must be convinced, but once she believes in something, she charges ahead. What she is NOT interested in is public relations or dealing with media. I say this to people, but they don't believe me. But like the minister said after witnessing a baptism, "Not only do I believe in baptism, but I've seen it done!" * * * It has happened again! Someone noticed that my bio is much longer than Eunkoo's. I have heard a number of gripes from people over the years, ranging from Eunkoo should be featured more to I should step aside

Earth Hour 2013 Man of the Year!!!

In case you missed it, last night was Earth Hour. That's when people around the world turn off their lights for one hour to show concern for the Earth. The idea originated from the World Wildlife Fund. Bouncing off Don Boudreaux, I would like to announce that Kim Jong-Un is the Earth Hour 2013 Man of the Year. Kim Jong-Un, Earth Hour's 2013 Man of the Year I won't read through his resume and accomplishments to make my case, I will point out this satellite photo showing the difference between the two Koreas. North Korea, where every day is "Earth Hour." Not only is the dashing young dictator's regime focused on keeping North Koreans in the dark more than just one hour a year, but he is now leading a government that is threatening to blow up other countries for various reasons. He has ordered his military to strike with "lightening speed"--apparently confusing lightening speed with lightening, and thinking that lightening can bring ligh

North Korean defector seeks justice (Korea Times)

It was international news when 12 North Korean waitresses and a male manager who worked at a restaurant operated by the North Korean regime in China arrived in South Korea in 2016. The waitresses have mostly maintained a low profile. There have been numerous accusations and assertions, with some saying the waitresses didn't want to escape, some accused the Park Geun-hye administration of playing politics by releasing details of the case, etc., etc., etc. My blog at the Korea Times today features an exclusive interview with one of the former North Korean waitresses who filed a criminal case against the former manager. You can read about it here on the Korea Times website. https://www.koreatimes.co.kr/www/opinion/2023/02/728_345165.html Keep in mind that there are many more facts to the case and that it is much deeper than this brief excerpt of her comments. She also shared legal documents that I shared with the Korea Times well in advance to give them time to review the case. *

2019-06-29 Another Special Saturday

"When are you going to wrap this up?" That's what a whippersnapper asked me near the end of Q&A yesterday, after I had given a speech to North Korean refugee adolescents and their mentors. Thanks to Prof. Shin Hye-young for arranging the session. I'm a man with a lot of self-esteem, but it was tested on Saturday by those kids (more photos below) www.lovetnkr.org/donate

Government causing problems: Caffe Bene

According to the Korea Herald : Caffe Bene, the nation’s largest coffee shop franchise, has started cutting jobs and executive salaries, blaming regulations against expansion of its bakery and restaurant chains. Then a funny thing happened on the way to a seemingly bland story: There was actual talk about the Korean government playing a role in damaging Caffe Bene's business. Not just a throwaway line or a final comment at the end of the article, but actually tying the business's problems to the Korean government's policy. Caffe Bene took over bakery chain Mainz Dom in December despite the National Commission for Corporate Partnership’s advice to reconsider the acquisition as the panel was discussing restricting bakery franchises. The state-funded commission last month designated bakeries and restaurants as “SME-only” businesses, barring franchises to keep from opening too many stores or within 500 meters from small bakeries. Large companies in the dinin

The Casey Lartigue Show!

Search This Blog