Update on the Korean Situation

Well, news from BBC says that the South Korean news agency Yonhap has unconfirmed reports that the DPRK test-fired a missile off its eastern coast shortly before the announcement. Coincidence? I think so. Also, unnamed officials in Seoul have been recorded as saying that the two incidents had nothing to do with one another.

Predictably, reaction from Washington was muted, with the White House saying it was "closely monitoring" reports of the death.

A number of observers have indeed pointed out the relatively anonymity of the new North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un and many countries continue to monitor the situation closely to watch for any sign of instability. Kim Jong-un is noted for his involvement in the two recent attacks on South Korean soil (sinking of the ship, and the shelling of the island) and it yet remains to be seen whether he will attempt to prove his mettle in much a similar matter.

I turn to Aidan Foster-Carter who summarizes the situation rather succinctly.

"He [Kim Jong-un] inherits a poisoned chalice. This untried youth must now run a country both at odds with most of the world and oppressive of its long-suffering people - who may not obey forever..."