North Korea: The Question of Succession

North Korea's official Rodong Sinmun ran an article April 24 emphasizing comradeship as the decisive factor in solving the succession problem after Kim Il Sung. The commentary reveals the struggle in Pyongyang over Kim Jong Il's ever-changing economic and diplomatic policies. As Kim approaches the symbolically important 60th birthday next year, he is attempting to reinforce his right to power and bring his son Kim Jong Nam in line as his successor.