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

Park Jin welcoming remarks to FSI (and Casey Lartigue)

National Assembly member Park Jin makes the welcoming remarks at FSI's conference featuring North Korean diplomats. Park Jin | Greeting message to FSI and Casey Lartigue mention - YouTube

Rich talking back

The rich are talked about very often in negative terms, but how often do the rich respond in kind? Australian billionaire Gina Rinehart, who inherited most of her money but apparently has also done very well with it, recently railed against class warfare and had some advice for the non-rich : "There is no monopoly on becoming a millionaire," she writes. "If you're jealous of those with more money, don't just sit there and complain. Do something to make more money yourself - spend less time drinking, or smoking and socializing and more time working." She complained about politicians raising taxes, regulations that slow investment, and other anti-business policies that harm the poor. "If you want to help the poor and our next generation, make investment, reinvenstment and businesses welcome."

Common Sense on North Korea (Korea Times, April 2, 2012)

By Casey Lartigue, Jr. As interesting as Kookmin University professor Andrei Lankov’s writings are, there is nothing quite like attending one of his lectures. He can barely restrain himself behind the podium, often pointing and waving his arms. I also enjoy his unscripted speeches, but his answers in Q&A sessions are like the difference between watching Michael Jordan shoot baskets in warm-ups and an actual game. I have finally discovered the secret behind Lankov’s consistently solid analysis about North Korea: Use common sense. At an Asan Institute conference last summer, he argued that North Korea watchers should try to understand North Korea from its perspective. Don’t most people know that you must understand the mindset of others you are dealing with? Yet, common sense in theory gets ignored politically. From the North Korean perspective, nuclear weapons are the best thing they’ve got going. They will NOT give them up easily, even if President Obama ...

Random photos from today

I went walking around today. Whereas some people like to go walking in the mountains, I enjoy walking around in the city. Well, not D.C. or other cities with many homeless, crazy and/or armed people walking around... * * * Here's where I had lunch today. About $1.90 for a hamburger hamberger. * * * Ha-ha! Bet you never would have guessed that Batman is a drinking place in Korea! * * * Man Clinic? The Koreans walking by seemed to be very curious about why I was taking a photo of a "Man Clinic." They may know something I don't know...Actually, I wasn't curious enough to go in and find out what it was... * * * Right down the street from the Man Clinic...there's a Love Shop! I love the euphemism. "Love Shop" sounds much better than Sex Shop. I'm guessing that if you don't go to the "Love Shop" to buy condoms that you may need to visit the Man Clinic a short time later? * * * Nobo...

To be a good volunteer, use your brain (Korea Times, December 5, 2012)

By Casey Lartigue, Jr. There is probably an unwritten rule that a celebrity offering to do volunteer work for a good cause should immediately be embraced. Well, that’s not what happened to Jeong So-dam, the glamorous Korean cable TV announcer when our paths crossed on Nov. 29. Ms. Jeong was the MC of an event about American political philosophy hosted by the Association for Economic Evolution. During my speech about American libertarianism since 1940, I discussed my volunteer work for North Korean refugees. After the speech, Jeong approached me, asking how she could help. I gave her the same tough love I give to potential volunteers by asking: “Who are you?” After all, if you are Bill Gates, then open your wallet. If you speak four languages, then help with translation work. So I first stress to potential volunteers: Use your brain. Tell us about your skills and interests so together we can figure out your initial role. Jeong was good-natured about it, rather than c...

The Casey Lartigue Show!

Search This Blog