Insight: Talk of succession off limits in secretive N. Korea

[WestVirginiaRebel]

Reuters:

(Reuters) - In North Korea, talk of succession and the third son of the secretive state's leader is strictly taboo.

"Don't ever mention Kim Jong-un's name," whispered a source, glancing over his shoulder to check the conversation wasn't being overheard. "You'll get in very big trouble, it's just not talked about."

The advice was delivered to a Reuters correspondent during a state-sanctioned visit to the far north, the first such escorted trip to that part of the country in living memory.

Entering into a discussion about succession in North Korea is tantamount to accepting the mortality of the state's current leader Kim Jong-il who, like his father before him, is worshipped like a god by his people.

Very little is known about Kim Jong-un, only that he is in his late 20s and was educated in Switzerland. Last year, the youngest son of the state's iron ruler was effectively anointed as the next leader when he was given prominent positions in both the military and ruling party.

The state has fostered a personality cult for its leaders over the past 60 years. Experts say this is possible only in a country as totally isolated as North Korea.

After his death in 1994, Kim Il-sung was proclaimed the eternal president and even his son did not dare lay claim to this title.

Instead, Kim Jong Il erected so-called "eternal life towers" dedicated to his godly status, in all the cities, towns and villages. There are believed to be over 3,000 of these plinths around the country.
________

"Me not dead! Me rive forever!"