Pyongyang preparing for a "fourth Kim" and a visit by Google's boss
Seoul (AsiaNews) - Two events might help North Korea's Communist regime spruce up its image: Google chairman Eric Schmidt is set to visit the country and the ruling couple, young dictator Kim Jong-un and his spouse Ri Sol-ju, is expecting a second child. South Korean papers in fact have published pictures of North Korea's first lady thinned down compared to those of 17 December, which had raised questions about a possible pregnancy.
Sources in Korea told AsiaNews said that the couple had a child before they got married who is thought to be currently abroad.
The decision not to announce the birth (and the pregnancy) has two possible explanations. One is that North Koreans are traditionally suspicious about such matters. The other is that North Korean rulers might want to have the child born on 8 January, his father's birthday, creating a "mythological" connection with North Korea's previous rulers.
At the same time, expectations are growing following the announcement that Google chairman Eric Schmidt would visit North Korea.
South Korea's foreign ministry spokesman Cho Tai Young confirmed the trip and that he might intercede on behalf of Korean-American Pae Jun-ho who was arrested in North Korea in November. However, Cho insisted that Schmidt's visit is strictly "private".
"Google's action is "unfortunate," a Catholic source told AsiaNews. "I am certain there are noble motives behind the decision, but at present the North is under international sanctions for its continuous military provocations. The country is also in turmoil following the death of dear leader Kim Jong-il and his son's rise to power. If Schmidt visits, he will have to leave something positive for the regime. I am not talking only about money but also about its image. It will use the visit for its propaganda value."
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12/02/2016 15:14
17/02/2021 10:26
