Forum Views ()
Forum Replies ()
Read more with google mobile :
North Korea hereditary succession won't work: defector
| International
|
My Profile
Top News
Reuters top ten news stories delivered to your inbox each day.
Subscribe
You are here:
Home
>
News
>
International
>
Article
Home
Business & Finance
News
U.S.
Politics
International
Technology
Entertainment
Sports
Lifestyle
Oddly Enough
Health
Science
Special Coverage
Video
Pictures
Your View
The Great Debate
Blogs
Weather
Reader Feedback
Do More With Reuters
RSS
Widgets
Mobile
Podcasts
Newsletters
Your View
Make Reuters My Homepage
Partner Services
CareerBuilder
Affiliate Network
Professional Products
Support (Customer Zone)
Reuters Media
Financial Products
About Thomson Reuters
North Korea hereditary succession won't work: defector
Tue Oct 27, 2009 7:26pm EDT
Email | Print |
Share
| Reprints | Single Page
[-]
Text
[+]
By Paul Eckert, Asia Correspondent
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - North Korean efforts to install one of ailing leader Kim Jong-il's sons as a hereditary successor are likely to fail, a senior defector from the communist country said on Tuesday.
Kim Kwang-jin, a former state insurance executive who helped unveil widespread damage claims fraud by Pyongyang, said Kim's relative recovery from an apparent 2008 stroke does not alter the fact that the era of Kim rule is fading.
"Fragile, worsening health, long drawn-out economic collapse and growing political instability in North Korea indicate that the Kim Jong-il regime is drawing to an end," Kim told a panel at a Washington thinktank.
"Right now we are seeing another try in North Korea at hereditary succession. I don't think it will work well," said the former manager at the state-owned Korea National Insurance Corp, who defected to South Korea in 2003.
Kim Jong-il inherited control of North Korea when his father Kim Il-sung died in 1994.
He is believed to have suffered a stroke in August 2008 and dropped out of public view for nearly a year as speculation mounted that Kim's third son Kim Jung-un was being groomed as the next leader.
Visitors to Pyongyang this year who met Kim Jong-il, including former U.S. President Bill Clinton and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, said the 67-year-old leader appeared alert and in command.
Kim Kwang-jin told an audience at the Brookings Institution that although speculation about succession had subsided, the question remained "not when it will happen but how it will occur."
A likely scenario for the next leadership was a "regent or transitional collective management" centered on Chang Song-taek, Kim Jong-il's only brother-in-law and a technocrat trusted by the military, he said.
The international community should prepare for the transition and broaden its dealings with North Korea beyond the current focus on ending Pyongyang's nuclear arms program, Kim Kwang-jin recommended.
"The next regime, regardless of who succeeds, will be unable to maintain the same policy that the current regime is pursuing," he said.
Kim Kwang-jin predicted a government more focused on meeting the economic needs of its people and less inclined toward hostility to the outside world and provocative military behavior.
(Editing by John O'Callaghan)
© Thomson Reuters 2009 All rights reserved
Share:
Del.icio.us
Digg
Mixx
Yahoo!
Facebook
LinkedIn
Next Article:
Gunmen wound seven in Athens attack: Greek police
North Korea
Why it's sane for Dear Leader to be crazy
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il cultivates an image as a dangerous lunatic prepared to risk annihilation, but it would be a disaster for him if the world believed he was rational. Full Article
Peace worries some more than war
More International News
Four U.N. staff killed in Kabul; blasts rock hotel
| Video
U.S. sends top team to Honduras
Somali pirates say holding Britons, EU spots yacht
Prosecution opens case against Karadzic, absent again
| Video
Once seen as spies, Taiwan eases China media curbs
More International News...
Editor's Choice
Slideshow
A selection of our best photos from the past 24 hours. Slideshow
Most Popular on Reuters
Articles
Video
U.S. foreclosures spike in new regions in 3rd qtr
Hulk Hogan returning to pro wrestling
Four U.N. staff killed in Kabul; blasts rock hotel | Video
Michael Jackson set to rule U.S. pop chart
U.S. may end up discarding unused H1N1 vaccine
SEC and Homeland Security need Web backup, GAO says
U.S. consumer confidence up for first time since 2007
Andre Agassi admits in memoir to using crystal meth
Former Letterman writer cries foul over sexcapades
U.S. home price gains may not be sustainable: Shiller | Video
Most Popular Articles RSS Feed
Video
Obama touts 'smart grid' project
Video of detained U.S. hikers
Mexico welcomes "pink" taxis
Jackson fans gather around the world
Russians flock to see 'miracle' baby
Talk of the Town
US-China: the ties that bind
Obama won't "rush" on troops
Artist draws Manhattan from memory
French Scientology guilty of fraud
Most Popular Videos RSS Feed
Afghanistan and Pakistan
In Internet age, Qaeda can thrive anywhere
Globalization and information technology, not training camps in Afghanistan, are becoming key to a militant group's survival, experts argue. Blog
October deadliest month for troops
Bomb blasts kill 8 U.S. troops
Reuters.com:
Help and Contact Us |
Advertise With Us |
Mobile |
Newsletters |
RSS |
Labs |
Journalism Handbook |
Archive |
Site Index |
Video Index
Thomson Reuters Corporate:
Copyright |
Disclaimer |
Privacy |
Professional Products |
Professional Products Support |
About Thomson Reuters |
Careers
International Editions:
Africa |
Arabic |
Argentina |
Brazil |
Canada |
China |
France |
Germany |
India |
Italy |
Japan |
Latin America |
Mexico |
Russia |
Spain |
United Kingdom |
United States
Thomson Reuters is the world's largest international multimedia news agency, providing investing news, world news, business news, technology news, headline news, small business news, news alerts, personal finance, stock market, and mutual funds information available on Reuters.com, video, mobile, and interactive television platforms. Thomson Reuters journalists are subject to an Editorial Handbook which requires fair presentation and disclosure of relevant interests.
NYSE and AMEX quotes delayed by at least 20 minutes. Nasdaq delayed by at least 15 minutes. For a complete list of exchanges and delays, please click here.
Other News on Wednesday, 28 October 2009 Bosnian Serb ex-leader Plavsic in Belgrade after prison release
S.Africa, Lesotho among top 10 in gender equality
Czech court delays verdict on Lisbon Treaty
Cisco to buy ScanSafe for $183 million
Iran wants big changes to nuclear deal with powers
Eurozone lending contracts for the first time: ECB
Scientologists convicted of fraud in France
Rocket from Lebanon hits Israel; Israel fires back
| International
|
Mobile web usage surge raises hopes of gear demand
Abbas says might not run in poll
US consumer confidence tanks
Top Czech court opens Lisbon treaty session
Second delay for Ares rocket test launch: NASA
Honda profit halves, outlook brighter
Israel's Barak faces party revolt over peace deadlock
| International
|
U.S. lobbyist accused of violating Sudan sanctions
| International
|
UN to text message food vouchers to Iraqi refugees
Japanese destroyer collides with South Korean ship
Pakistan kills 42 militants in anti-Taliban push
October new deadliest month for US in Afghanistan
Police: RI motorist drove with man in windshield
DC sniper Muhammad set to die by lethal injection
US consumer confidence tanks
Japanese, S.Korean ships 'collide in Japan'
ACORN, former official due in court in Nevada case
China to hunt remains at 1950 US bomber crash site
Obama putting $3.4B toward a 'smart' power grid
Bad weather delays NASA new rocket test flight
WHO recommends swine flu vaccine for wary Chinese
NY AG: Consumers can access health care cost info
Fla. sex offender-teacher seeks probation change
Innovation Conference To Highlight Latest Healthcare Technology Trends
Bats reintroduced into Vermont caves hit by fungus
Thais protest outside Cambodia embassy over invite
Jurors get Pontiac, Mich., homeless killing case
Northwest Pilots On Laptop When They Overshot Airport, May Lose Licenses
Mayors ask Obama to visit Japanese A-bomb cities
Rep. Grayson Again Grabs Headlines With 'K Street Whore' Comment
Gang Rape Arrest Continues, Victim Remains Hospitalized
Eight U.S. Troops Die In Afghan Blasts; October Now The Deadliest Month In War
Pakistan says 42 killed in anti-Taliban offensive
About-turn as South Korean defects to communist North
Vegas Judge Sentences Teen Shooter To Life
U.S. investigating optical disc drive industry
| Technology
|
Update: NASA Scrubs Launch Of Ares I-X
Principal's Secretary Charged With Child Abuse After Duct-Taping Student
Security Checks At MARC Train Stations Start This Week
World's Largest Rocket Ares I-X To Launch On Tuesday
Val Kilmer to play journalist in Georgia war film
Select 2009 Hollywood Awards winners
Nissan unveils new platform of cheap, light cars
Sony, Toshiba, Hitachi face US antitrust probe
Tibet's Lhasa Beer to boost US exports
India keeps rates unchanged, warns of inflation
India's Jet Airways reports loss, shares plummet
China invests $500 mln in SouthGobi Energy
Naomi Campbell sued over cosmetics sales
| Entertainment
|
Ricky Gervais says Golden Globes is perfect gig
| Entertainment
|
About-turn as South Korean defects to communist North
Indonesia is not a refugee 'dumping ground': governor
Indonesia district bans tight trousers for women
Hollywood burglars driven by celebrity worship
| Entertainment
|
India's Tata Steel profit down 49.5%
Forget recession, let's throw a Mad Men party
| Entertainment
|
Proceeds of Saint Laurent sale to battle AIDS
Hearings adjourned on Emirati bid for Christian Lacroix
France fines black comic for anti-Semitism
World's biggest cruise ship offers activity extravaganza
Jackson film 'This Is It' set for global premiere
'Da Vinci Code' publisher changes jobs
'I would not make it big today': model Crawford
Once again, 'Ratchet & Clank' has the right stuff
'Survivor' champ says he's victim of 'witch hunt'
Parents fear for missing Metallica fan daughter
Taliban kill three UN workers in Kabul shootout
France jails 'Angolagate' power players
Facebook challenges financial regulators: FINRA
Four U.N. staff killed in Kabul; blasts rock hotel
| International
|
Doubts mount over Afghan run-off
Czech court delays Lisbon verdict till after EU summit
Launch of new NASA rocket delayed
U.S. sends top team to Honduras
| International
|
Woman arrested for offering sex for World Series tickets
France's Sarkozy announces 1.65-billion-euro farm aid plan
Bosnian Serb ex-leader Plavsic in Belgrade after prison release
Gizmodo duped by virus ad, apologizes
Afghan police in stand-off with 'terrorists': police
Obama unveils historic power grid reform
Examiner.com expanding into Canada
Google marches deeper into telecom turf
Obama draws to end of Afghan review: White House
Dead not forgotten at Facebook
China sets up website to recover trafficked children: report
Afghan leader's brother on CIA payroll: report
UN to text message food vouchers to Iraqi refugees
Once seen as spies, Taiwan eases China media curbs
| International
|
US drone strikes may break international law: UN
Iran to accept nuclear fuel deal but wants key changes: TV
Somali pirates hijack foreign yacht with two on board
Darfur kidnappers demand 3 million euro ransom
Iran backs uranium plan outline, but seeks changes
US-Israel drill may shape European missile shield
North Korea hereditary succession won't work: defector
| International
|
Google marches deeper into telecom turf
Gunmen wound seven in Athens attack: Greek police
| International
|
In Israel drill, U.S. weighs European shield options
Venezuela says it has captured Colombian spies
| International
|
Digital cinema still a work in progress
| Technology
|
Disney launching iPhone, iPod touch applications
| Technology
|
Facebook challenges financial regulators: FINRA
| Technology
|
Chavez blames medical equipment problems on Philips
| Technology
|
Obama renews Sudan sanctions
US swine flu vaccine outlook improving, CDC says
Mickelson, Harrington fired up for Singapore
Former Memphis mayor is target of federal probe
Census: 'Brain gains' for high-tech cities
Japan to carry out missile shoot-down off Hawaii: US
Senate votes to take up jobless benefit extension
Jetstar engine fire forces evacuation in Australia
Indian president set to meet PM in UK state visit
Chamber to begin ads against health care overhaul
US, China pledge better military ties
Customs agents find hash, pot hidden in chessboard
Japanese hope Obama will visit A-bomb cities soon
Time to end 'on-again-off-again' US-China ties: Pentagon
Deadly days for US troops in Afghanistan
3 bodies found in US plane wreckage in Afghanistan
Man convicted in 2000 shooting executed in Texas
Nordic countries top gender gap index again
eBay: No auction for suspect in Kan. doc's death
S.Korea says to improve FX regulations
Seoul shares down 1.3 pct; shipbuilders, techs fall
Korea Hot Stocks
Hollywood burglars driven by "celebrity worship"
S.Korea T-bonds rise on U.S. lead, shares; data eyed
Seoul shares slip on U.S. fall;earnings,data eyed
S.Korea overseas borrowing soars as govt worried
Tenn. gov says China trip has green energy focus
This Is It shows Jackson could still entertain
| Entertainment
|
Bigger Oscar field means tougher choices
| Entertainment
|
Former Letterman writer cries foul over sexcapades
| Entertainment
|
Michael Jackson set to rule U.S. pop chart
| Entertainment
|
Hulk Hogan returning to pro wrestling
| Entertainment
|
Miley Cyrus' mom safeguards her career
U2 to play free Berlin concert on MTV awards night
| Entertainment
|
U2 to play at landmark to mark fall of Berlin Wall
Jackson's "This is It" movie premieres worldwide
Former Letterman writer cries foul over sexcapades
U2 to play free Berlin concert on MTV awards night
U2 to play free show to mark fall of Berlin Wall
Dogs funnier than cats? Home video show says yes
Model Naomi Campbell sued over fragrance deal
ALCS helps Fox in ratings, but CBS is still ahead
Darkest day for UN as Taliban kill 9 at Kabul hostel
Car bomb kills 90 in Pakistan as Hillary Clinton visits
| International
|
US-TECH Summary
EU to back split of UK's Northern Rock: reports
Six foreigners killed in Kabul attack: Afghan official
Japan's Nomura reaps rewards of Lehman deal
Digital cinema still a work in progress
No Criminal Charge To Be Filed Against Joe Francis For Allegedly Assaulting Jayde Nicole
Iran to respond to atomic deal on Thursday in Vienna
| International
|
Disney launching iPhone, iPod touch applications
US financial sector will pay for failures: bill
Pittsburgh Blood Center Offering Donors "New Moon" Screening Tickets
Time to end 'on-again, off-again' US-China ties: US
Rockets found in south Lebanon, day after attack
| International
|
EU force arrests seven suspected pirates
| International
|
Michael Jackson Earned $90 Million Since He Died
"Girls Gone Wild" Creator Joe Francis Suing Jayde Nicole And Brody Jenner
Merkel formally elected German chancellor for 2nd term
| International
|
Kate Gosselin, Kathy Griffin Among 2009 Women's Conference Attendees
Akon Forced To Stop Melbourne Show After Crowd Brawl Breaks Out
Fate of oil-rich Kirkuk stalls Iraq election law
Relatives of Iran vote detainees hold rally
| International
|
Silvio Berlusconi says communist judges out to destroy him
| International
|
U.N. torture expert turned back by Zimbabwe
| International
|
German trial of former SS member starts in Aachen
| International
|
US ready to respond if Iran falters: Obama adviser
Google drives into navigation market
| Technology
|
Indonesian people-smugglers jailed in Australia
FAA grounds wayward Northwest Airlines pilots
In Apology, Grayson Calls 'K Street Whore' Comment 'Disrespectful'
McDonald's worker dies of 'overwork': officials
Military Pay Raise Becomes Law Wednesday
Motorola's Droid has Google navigation features
| Technology
|
Weather May Scrub NASA's Wednesday Launch Attempt Of Ares 1-X
Japan probes collision between navy, SKorean ships
Health care debate draws Dean, Rove to Penn State
Clinton arrives in Pakistan: AFP reporter
Bill Extending Jobless Benefits Passes Key Vote In Senate
US, NKorean officials join in unofficial talks
American Among 6 United Nations Workers Killled In Afghan Explosion
Feds: Chicago men planned to attack Danish paper
UK threatens Web access block in piracy fight
| Technology
|
SKoreans vote in parliamentary by-elections
Calif. town rattled by alleged rape of girl, 15
First Daughters Receive H1N1 Vaccines
San Francisco's Bay Bridge Remains Closed After Debris Lands In Roadway
US military deaths in Afghanistan region at 814
Countries Not Using Roman Alphabet Offered Domain Names In Own Language, Script
Kashmir under heavy security for Indian PM visit
SKorean military under fire over defection
Philippines, Muslim rebels vow to spare civilians
Feces-Throwing Burglar Goes Ape Gets 31-Year Sentence
FAA Revokes License Of Northwest Pilots Over Laptop Use
Toshiba to build new battery plant
ArcelorMittal returns to profit, sees improvement
Fujitsu reports jump in quarterly profits
China poisoning Pearl River Delta: Greenpeace
US, China open high-level trade talks
Seoul shares lose 2.4 pct on techs, shipbuilders
Japan's Nomura posts second straight profit
Taiwan's Ma eyes trade agreement with US: report
Thai Airways accused of price-fixing
HCL Technologies says profit falls on forex loss
Cambodian temple puzzle nearly complete
What crisis? China's billionaires live it up
Indonesia won't let asylum seekers off ship
Bigger Oscar field means tougher choices
Hulk Hogan returning to pro wrestling
Michael Jackson set to rule U.S. pop chart
David Copperfield wins stay in assault lawsuit
Ex-Letterman writer claims hostile environment
Greece at new risk of being pushed off euro
Bodies of missing Tenn. mom, Jo Ann Bain, and daughter found
Female Breasts Are Bigger Than Ever
AMD Trinity Accelerated Processing Units Now in Volume Production
The Avengers (2012 film), made the second biggest opening- and single-day gross of all-time
AMD to Start Production of piledriver
Ivy Bridge Quad-Core, Four-Thread Desktop CPUs
Islamists Protest Lady Gaga's Concert in Indonesia
Japan Successfully Broadcasts an 8K Signal Over the Air
ECB boosts loans to 1 trillion Euro to stop credit crunch
Egypt : Mohammed Morsi won with 52 percent
What do you call 100,000 Frenchmen with their hands up
AMD Launches AMD Embedded R-Series APU Platform
Fed Should not Ignore Emerging Market Crisis
Fed casts shadow over India, emerging markets
Why are Chinese tourists so rude? A few insights