More sabre rattling from North Korea

[cartman]

I guess he wants to be remembered as Kim Jong Un and Done.

BBC News - North Korea 'plans third nuclear test' (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-21175466)

[molson]

Luckily, North Korea sucks at everything. If they didn't, I'm sure the U.S. reaction would be very different.

Though, I can't help but wonder if the regime could be toppled in a day or two. It's so much less complicated than the middle east. Just an isolated country of people who have been starved and abused for half a century. And most of them get just enough info now to know how different things are, for people who share their language and culture, just a few miles away.

[RainMaker]

I think the issue would be what you do with them when you're done. Tons of refugees would flow into China who probably doesn't want them. There would have to be some massive humanitarian efforts put together by a coalition of countries.

[molson]

I think the South is already preparing for that inevitability. They even have a "ministry of unification." It's not your ordinary refugee situation. It's the same culture, language, genetics. They wouldn't have to even go anywhere. Of course, 25 million people overnight would be quite the project. But from what I can tell, everyone assumes it will happen eventually. But ya, it can't really happen tomorrow.

[RainMaker]

I think it's just a big task for surrounding countries. North Korea essentially has nothing. At least with an Iraq you had a bunch of oil fields to bring in money.

One thing I'd be fascinated with is getting information on the culture inside. It's so bizarre and there will likely be some amazing stories. There is a great National Geographic documentary on Netflix about them. They send in a doctor to perform basic cataract surgery on people there. Literally hundreds of people who couldn't see can now see because of it. After the doctor removes the bandage the people praise the Great Leader for it and go into a weird trance.

[SackAttack]

Though, I can't help but wonder if the regime could be toppled in a day or two.

Depends on how much collateral damage you're willing to absorb to do that. Yeah, you probably could topple the regime in fairly short order, but they'd retaliate against South Korea the minute they tipped to any kind of movement.

Scorched earth and all that.

[Desnudo]

Nuke em from orbit

[BYU 14]

Depends on how much collateral damage you're willing to absorb to do that. Yeah, you probably could topple the regime in fairly short order, but they'd retaliate against South Korea the minute they tipped to any kind of movement.

Scorched earth and all that.

Absolutely, these crazy bastards don't have any regard for their own people, so despite the ease with which they could be taken down, they would likely take as many with them as possible.

[Matthean]

"We do not hide that the various satellites and long-range rockets we will continue to launch, as well as the high-level nuclear test we will proceed with, are aimed at our arch-enemy, the United States," KCNA quoted it as saying.

"Settling accounts with the US needs to be done with force, not with words," it added.

Merely a question of when really.

[panerd]

For those that speak of the ease of a military operation. How easy?

Easier than the first Korea conflict? Easier than Afganistan? Easier than Vietnam?

In these scenerios I assume that China and Russia don't mind the US meddling in their own backyards? North Korea is part of the "axis of evil" and all right?

[BYU 14]

For those that speak of the ease of a military operation. How easy?

Easier than the first Korea conflict? Easier than Afganistan? Easier than Vietnam?

In these scenerios I assume that China and Russia don't mind the US meddling in their own backyards? North Korea is part of the "axis of evil" and all right?

Toppling, probably fairly easy, but it's the aftermath that would fall in line with all those operations above and not what we need or want at this point in time, another occupation that drags on for years.

China is an interesting player in this. They have reprimanded their evil little cousin in the past and they may do it again with the economic interest they have tied up in the US now, I.E our loanshark.

[MrBug708]

It seems the middle east has a religious aspect that complicates the issue. I don't see North Korea having that same resistance that comes in a lot of other places. I also don't think North Korea is interested in arming half their population to fight building to building either.

[cartman]

NK would have one hell of a first punch, but they don't have anything to follow it up with. They are counting on the fear of damage they could do in the first week or two, and then hoping China comes in to back them up like in the 50s.

[Warhammer]

For those that speak of the ease of a military operation. How easy?

Easier than the first Korea conflict? Easier than Afganistan? Easier than Vietnam?

In these scenerios I assume that China and Russia don't mind the US meddling in their own backyards? North Korea is part of the "axis of evil" and all right?

Not to mention we have no stomach to fight anymore.

[molson]

My sense is that North Korea would fold like a cheap lawn chair shockingly quickly. I don't think their heavy weaponry, including the nuclear arsenal, actually work. And while the military has manpower, those people aren't motivated by religion, and I don't think, even loyalty to the regime. Being in the military means you get to eat once in a while, that's it. This is a country that engages in hilarious deception and exaggeration regarding what they're doing economically, I'm sure that carries over to the military as well.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

At times like these, I always like to go and get a fair and balanced report on the situation straight from the source........

News From KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY of DPRK (http://www.kcna.co.jp/index-e.htm)

[JediKooter]

I think the problem with North Korea is the whole 'cult of personality' that is so pervasive there. Something tells me that there won't be North Koreans waving little USA flags as our tanks go rolling down their streets and would be extremely reluctant to show any disobedience to their Dear Leader. Oh there will be some, but, the majority won't. The populace there has been so brainwashed and bullied that they would probably think that any foreign invasion is really just a test of their loyalty. The thought of not going to a North Korean concentration camp is pretty motivating.

Militarily, they'd probably lose all of their air forces rather quickly or they would be so ineffective, that it just wouldn't make much of a difference. On the ground though, I think it would be a whole different ball game.

[Matthean]

Militarily, they'd probably lose all of their air forces rather quickly or they would be so ineffective, that it just wouldn't make much of a difference. On the ground though, I think it would be a whole different ball game.

Our naval and air is so far superior that I doubt there would be much of a land aspect.

[cartman]

Our naval and air is so far superior that I doubt there would be much of a land aspect.

It wouldn't be if we struck first. But if they decided to launch a massive artillery barrage at South Korea, they could do some serious damage in the very beginning.

The land battle would devolve into something like what is happening in Afghanistan, but with better trained and organized troops on the NK side.

[JediKooter]

Our naval and air is so far superior that I doubt there would be much of a land aspect.

Actually I could see a ground battle getting drawn out. The terrain is very mountainous and reminds me a lot of Afghanistan. The NK are expert tunnel diggers too. However, if there could be a total sea and air blockade (which I think would be easy, minus any outside interference), it would just be a matter of time before their land forces are 'starved out'.

[molson]

I think the problem with North Korea is the whole 'cult of personality' that is so pervasive there. Something tells me that there won't be North Koreans waving little USA flags as our tanks go rolling down their streets and would be extremely reluctant to show any disobedience to their Dear Leader. Oh there will be some, but, the majority won't. The populace there has been so brainwashed and bullied that they would probably think that any foreign invasion is really just a test of their loyalty. The thought of not going to a North Korean concentration camp is pretty motivating.



I've always been fascinated by that aspect of North Korea, and have read a few books to get a read on it, but one thing I haven't heard anything about is the perspective of the military. But I think the "brainwashing" of the civilians is starting to break down. There are stories from defectors that gave me that impression (it is actually possible to get out through China, thousands do it every year). People rig televisions to get over the air TV signals from Seoul, word spreads (carefully), and I think the younger generation knows the deal. The older generation was more married to underlying social and economic philosophies, but they're dying out.

[Butter]

So I guess the question is, if they actually have nukes can we really just afford to go in there guns a-blazing without essentially sacrificing a city like Seoul?

I mean, when we nuked Japan nearly 70 years ago, we hit some strategic spots, but nothing that is anywhere near a population center as Seoul is. We could be talking about death tolls in the hundreds of thousands or millions with one strike. Not to mention if they just go apeshit and have multiple nukes and could hit Tokyo or something like that.

I guess this is where we have to rely heavily on our intelligence. I feel somewhat better about the intelligence community after having seen Zero Dark Thirty, but NK is nuckin' futs. I put nothing past them.

[Desnudo]

I'm fairly sure that if an army marches on its stomach, they would be dead after a week. Their logistics and supply situation have to be terrible.

[JediKooter]

I've always been fascinated by that aspect of North Korea, and have read a few books to get a read on it, but one thing I haven't heard anything about is the perspective of the military. But I think the "brainwashing" of the civilians is starting to break down. There are stories from defectors that gave me that impression (it is actually possible to get out through China, thousands do it every year). People rig televisions to get over the air TV signals from Seoul, word spreads (carefully), and I think the younger generation knows the deal. The older generation was more married to underlying social and economic philosophies, but they're dying out.

I think that's the 'X' factor in all of it. How many will realize that this is their chance for a hopefully democratic NK compared to how many think it's a test of their loyalty. It's just really really hard to get a good gage of the possible number of North Korean resistance fighters that would join an invading army, because of how little information comes out of that place.

Personally, let them saber rattle all they want. They will eventually starve themselves out or they will piss off the wrong country and it will all take care of itself. However, if I was running the show...I'd have some of our Navy out in international waters off both coasts of North Korea and each time they launch a missile/rocket, shoot it down.

[Matthean]

I'd have some of our Navy out in international waters off both coasts of North Korea and each time they launch a missile/rocket, shoot it down.

Related:
The rocket is also a poke in the eye for Japan, which had threatened to shoot it down but in the event wisely held its fire.

BBC News - North Korea thumbs nose at enemies (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20695913)

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

that whole situation feels like it's out of a fiction novel or a comic book

[JediKooter]

Related:


BBC News - North Korea thumbs nose at enemies (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-20695913)

Hey, Japan and I are on the same page. :)

[mckerney]

Conventional weapons from North Korea may not be a problem, but aren't they believed to have a rather formidable ability to wage cyber warfare? A cyber attack on the US has the potential to be far more devastating than any military action.

[JediKooter]

Conventional weapons from North Korea may not be a problem, but aren't they believed to have a rather formidable ability to wage cyber warfare? A cyber attack on the US has the potential to be far more devastating than any military action.

I always thought that this would be the best way to go if some entity really wanted to hurt the US. Knock out the internet and knock out the financial institutions and that will bring us to our knees faster than flying planes into buildings or detonating dirty bombs.

[mckerney]

I always thought that this would be the best way to go if some entity really wanted to hurt the US. Knock out the internet and knock out the financial institutions and that will bring us to our knees faster than flying planes into buildings or detonating dirty bombs.

That along with the power grid and water utilities could cripple the country and is more likely than a missile from North Korea hitting us.

[JediKooter]

That along with the power grid and water utilities could cripple the country and is more likely than a missile from North Korea hitting us.

Bingo! Totally agree with you on that.

[molson]

Once in my life I'd like to rattle an actual sabre.

[JediKooter]

Once in my life I'd like to rattle an actual sabre.

Sheathed or un-sheathed?

[SackAttack]

Once in my life I'd like to rattle an actual sabre.

Hit him in the corner when his back is to you.

[molson]

Hit him in the corner when his back is to you.

Pat LaFontaine won't know what hit him.

[molson]

Sheathed or un-sheathed?

Honestly, whatever I can get my hands on.

[JediKooter]

Honestly, whatever I can get my hands on.

Just don't grab the fork. Fork rattling just doesn't have the same weight as rattling a saber does.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Articles like these make me wish this situation would come to a head at some level. These people really could use some help.

North Koreans Reportedly Turn to Cannibalism Due to 'Hidden Famine' - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/north-koreans-reportedly-turn-cannibalism-due-hidden-famine-122128957.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm guessing the royalties weren't paid for the use of this song in a video depicting an attack on the U.S. Video was released by the N. Korean gov't.......

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/HKWJSKYBDXE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

North Korea reportedly fired off a new nuclear test bomb.

South Korea believes North Korea conducted third atomic test | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/02/11/earthquake-detected-in-north-korea-usgs-says/)

[Comey]

North Korea reminds me of Krikkit from the Hitchhiker's Guide series of books. I think that scares me considerably.

[Wolfpack]

North Korea reminds me of Krikkit from the Hitchhiker's Guide series of books. I think that scares me considerably.

Hopefully they don't come down over New York dropping robots bashing everyone with cricket bats....

[Warhammer]

"Whop"

[AlexB]

Hopefully they don't come down over New York dropping robots bashing everyone with cricket bats....

Too right. Let's hope they keep working on that nuclear thingy instead! God helps us all if they get cricket bats!

[Lathum]

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2020449818_apasnkorearodman.html

[BYU 14]

http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2020449818_apasnkorearodman.html

From reading quotes I don't think Rodman realizes he is in North Korea :)

[JediKooter]

I think there's times where Rodman doesn't realize he's Rodman. :D

[panerd]

I think it is for the filming of a documentary for a new series "Vice" on HBO. I have a feeling the end result will be a lot different than a friendly meet and greet but since it's Dennis Rodman I guess I could be totally wrong.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I think it is for the filming of a documentary for a new series "Vice" on HBO. I have a feeling the end result will be a lot different than a friendly meet and greet but since it's Dennis Rodman I guess I could be totally wrong.

Yeah, I'm really interested to see the end product. I don't think it will be quite as fluffy as the Rodman public comments would lead you to believe.

[molson]

Dennis Rodman would solve all the world's problems if only we had the courage to let him.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

South Korea reportedly confirms Kim Jong Un’s wife gives birth | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/03/04/south-korea-reportedly-confirms-kim-jong-uns-wife-gives-birth/)

[Matthean]

Thankfully this didn't happen 9 months after Rodman was there.

[Matthean]

AFP: N.Korea scraps peace pacts as sanctions toughened (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5hmEUR-mSLEUHfAswkZ36agHTkKiw?docId=CNG.29350d12cef5ba479bd32457cce4d1a0.8a1)

[molson]

The sanctions at least attempt to target the ruling elite but I wonder how effective they really can be. It's not like there's a lot of commerce going in and out of North Korea anyway, it's not hard for the top-level government people to still live like kings. They'll just take more and the effects will still trickle down to everyone else. I guess the sanctions are still necessary, I just hope there's some talk somewhere about an end game of regime change.

[JPhillips]

China agreeing to the sanctions is a big deal. It really leaves Kim isolated.

[JediKooter]

So ronry....

[Matthean]

China agreeing to the sanctions is a big deal. It really leaves Kim isolated.

And I know North Korea would consider it a win, but if they were able to launch a nuke unprovoked, China isn't going to back them and they pretty much are screwed in an epic way.

[JPhillips]

I think it makes NK more dangerous in the short term, but the end for the Kims seems closer. I sure would be nervous if I lived in Seoul, though.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And I know North Korea would consider it a win, but if they were able to launch a nuke unprovoked, China isn't going to back them and they pretty much are screwed in an epic way.

Yeah, the Chinese aren't going to let the crazy people in the neighborhood screw up business.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

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[Thomkal]

I'm so grateful to the government of North Korea in our time of need here in America-I'm sure their coffee is delicious :)

[sabotai]

Don't know why it's labeled 'propaganda'. Seemed like a fairly accurate portrayal of Detroit.

Serious response: I haven't done much (any) practicing at reading Korean cursive, but my best guess at the title (with the help of google translate) is "갈수틈 암담해서는 자본주의 사회 현실", which means (according to google translate) "Grim openings go not the reality of capitalist society" (btw, google translate blows at translating Korean to English, so that's pretty good as far as google translate goes).

[JPhillips]

I'm pretty impressed that we can make tents stronger than houses.

[StLee]

Don't know why it's labeled 'propaganda'. Seemed like a fairly accurate portrayal of Detroit.

Serious response: I haven't done much (any) practicing at reading Korean cursive, but my best guess at the title (with the help of google translate) is "갈수틈 암담해서는 자본주의 사회 현실", which means (according to google translate) "Grim openings go not the reality of capitalist society" (btw, google translate blows at translating Korean to English, so that's pretty good as far as google translate goes).

Basically, "Capitalist Economies are Facing Dark Times." According to my (Korean) wife, there are some things the Korean narrator and English narrator are saying that are much different. For instance, she didn't hear anything about all the birds being eaten in Korean.

[sabotai]

That was the funniest part of the video. Why the hell would starving people wait for Tuesday to eat the birds!?

[Simbo Klice]

That was the funniest part of the video. Why the hell would starving people wait for Tuesday to eat the birds!?

Maybe they get double rations of hot snow coffee on Tuesday to help wash it down?

[NorvTurnerOverdrive]

no cannibalism? i'm disappointed in you best korea

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Some heavy cyber-terrorism exchanges in Korea. South starts it and the North retaliates. Who knew they even had computers????

Experts suspect North behind SKorea computer crash - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/experts-suspect-north-behind-skorea-computer-crash-111917254.html)

[Jughead Spock]

This is more likely to start a war than any border skirmish...

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

This is more likely to start a war than any border skirmish...

And I would guess that it's by far the best way for North Korea to needle South Korea. North Korea doesn't have a hugely developed computer based economy. The South economy could be destroyed by cyber-terrorism if it increases its reach.

[Matthean]

Hyeonseo Lee: My escape from North Korea | Video on TED.com (http://www.ted.com/talks/hyeonseo_lee_my_escape_from_north_korea.html)

[mckerney]

Some heavy cyber-terrorism exchanges in Korea. South starts it and the North retaliates. Who knew they even had computers????

Experts suspect North behind SKorea computer crash - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/experts-suspect-north-behind-skorea-computer-crash-111917254.html)

They're rumored to have invested heavily in cyber-warfare and are a difficult enemy to retaliate against. While other countries have many entry points for cyber attacks North Korea only has one or two which can easily be shut down or defended.

[Galaxy]

Some heavy cyber-terrorism exchanges in Korea. South starts it and the North retaliates. Who knew they even had computers????

Experts suspect North behind SKorea computer crash - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/experts-suspect-north-behind-skorea-computer-crash-111917254.html)

One word: China.

[sterlingice]

It's been an odd couple of months for North Korea. Fun to catch up with it all at once :D

SI

[BYU 14]

The fearsome NK Navy in full force, thanks to photoshop

Rumor: North Korea's latest military image Photoshopped? (http://news.msn.com/rumors/rumor-north-koreas-latest-military-image-photoshopped)

[cartman]

North Korea orders rockets on standby to hit US bases - state media — RT News (http://rt.com/news/north-korea-rockets-us-bases-021/)

FTFA:
Experts agree that North Korean rockets are not capable of reaching the US mainland, though they probably could strike Alaska. Still, the plan in the North Korean command room shows that Pyongyang considers Los Angeles, Washington and even Austin to be possible targets.

WTF? I guess they are mad that the South Korean gaming company NCSoft fired Lord British a couple of years ago and killed off Tabula Rasa.

[Easy Mac]

They're mad all the bands don't go to their weeklong music festival, North by North Korea.

[DaddyTorgo]

Oh Democratic People's Republic of Korear...you sooooo funny!!

[Lathum]

I know those 6 hovercraft and 19 guys storming the beach intimidate the hell out of me. What beach are they planning on storming, Marthas Vineyard?

[DanGarion]

North Korea orders rockets on standby to hit US bases - state media — RT News (http://rt.com/news/north-korea-rockets-us-bases-021/)

FTFA:


WTF? I guess they are mad that the South Korean gaming company NCSoft fired Lord British a couple of years ago and killed off Tabula Rasa.

Great Richard Garriott reference!

[cartman]

There is now a tumblr for why Kim Jong Un hates Austin.

Why Kim Jong Un Hates Austin (http://unaustin.tumblr.com/)

[stevew]

I know I shouldn't take these knuckleheads seriously but this world could go to shit in a second if this dumb fuck attempts to nuke us or SK. We need to forge some sort of relationship with China in order to get these guys in a leash.

[Matthean]

I know I shouldn't take these knuckleheads seriously but this world could go to shit in a second if this dumb fuck attempts to nuke us or SK. We need to forge some sort of relationship with China in order to get these guys in a leash.

Bombs don't have to mean nukes. They still can't do anything unless China would approve of it. If they do without China's backing, their screwed.

[BYU 14]

Now they have done it :)

Anonymous reportedly hacks North Korea Twitter, Flickr accounts (http://now.msn.com/anonymous-reportedly-hacks-north-korea-twitter-flickr-accounts)

[GrantDawg]

Bombs don't have to mean nukes. They still can't do anything unless China would approve of it. If they do without China's backing, their screwed.


And China is being very cold to them right now, even as they mass troops on the NK border. Does anyone believe that NK is trying to provoke a US "first strike" to ensure China's involvement on their side? I have doubts China will protect them if they strike first. I also wonder if a NK first strike might provoke a Chinese invasion.

[Groundhog]

And China is being very cold to them right now, even as they mass troops on the NK border. Does anyone believe that NK is trying to provoke a US "first strike" to ensure China's involvement on their side? I have doubts China will protect them if they strike first. I also wonder if a NK first strike might provoke a Chinese invasion.

Assuming the leadership of NK isn't as loony as they make themselves appear, I think there is no chance in hell they strike first. It would be suicide. The absolute only thing protecting them in any way is China and a US first strike is the only conceivable way that China might support them - although I don't know that they would even in that event.

I'm sorta glad that the US is calling NK's bluff this time around.

[cartman]

North Korea urges embassy evacuation, Russia says - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/north-korea-urges-embassy-evacuation-russia-says/2013/04/05/ffd3db6e-9df1-11e2-a941-a19bce7af755_story.html?hpid=z3)

NK is now suggesting to the embassies that they leave Pyongyang by April 10th, so as not to put their staffs at risk.

[bhlloy]

So lets assume this continues on the same path - NK escalates but doesn't actually strike first and the standoff continues for the foreseeable future.

WTF do we do about the fact they are ramping up the nuclear program again and by all accounts are maybe 3-5 years away from putting it on a missile? At some point surely we have to bite the bullet and do something about this? I can't imagine China is too thrilled about the thought of an unstable nuclear NK either.

[Matthean]

S. Korea to pull workers from joint industrial complex following blockade by Pyongyang (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/s-korea-says-it-will-withdraw-final-workers-from-joint-industrial-complex/2013/04/26/e5dade9e-ae61-11e2-8bf6-e70cb6ae066e_story.html?tid=pm_world_pop)

N. Korea says detained American will soon face trial - The Washington Post (http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/n-korea-says-detained-american-will-soon-face-trial/2013/04/27/47a48818-af12-11e2-8bf6-e70cb6ae066e_story.html)

[cartman]

Sounds like China might finally be getting fed up with NK:

Bank of China cuts off North Korean bank | GlobalPost (http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/north-korea/130507/bank-china-cuts-north-korean-bank)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Exclusive: China tried to convince North Korea to give up nuclear tests - source - Yahoo! News (http://news.yahoo.com/exclusive-china-tried-convince-n-korea-nuclear-tests-055512914.html)

[cartman]

Paul Simon his going to have to release a new version of his song. This is the 51st way to leave your lover.

Kim Jong-un's ex-lover 'executed by firing squad' - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10272953/Kim-Jong-uns-ex-lover-executed-by-firing-squad.html)

[Butter]

Have you ever heard "Excellent Horse-Like Lady?"

Man, she will be missed.

[Kodos]

And Taylor Swift thinks her critics are rough.

[Wolfpack]

The execution by machine gun seems rather tame after reading about the poor sap who was executed by mortar shell.

[Matthean]

The execution by machine gun seems rather tame after reading about the poor sap who was executed by mortar shell.

I would think being Kim Jong-un's lover would trump that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

North Korea Still Sucks at Photoshop (http://kotaku.com/north-korea-still-sucks-at-photoshop-1442380565)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

dola

NKorea rushes to finish lavish ski resort - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/nkorea-rushes-finish-lavish-ski-resort-063141050.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Big defection. Will be interesting to see what they learn from him.

Aide to N. Korean leader's ousted uncle seeks asylum in South: media - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/aide-reportedly-disgraced-kim-jong-un-39-uncle-033223485.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Wow. Pretty brazen stuff here to publicly oust your uncle in this manner.

Purge sends chilling message to NKorea's elite - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/purge-sends-chilling-message-nkorea-39-elite-110334857.html)

[Lathum]

executed

[JPhillips]

Greatest top of page post ever.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Here's a fun drinking game. Every time you say Jang, I execute somebody!!!!!

North Korea's Kim Jong Un reportedly 'very drunk' when ordering executions | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2013/12/24/north-korea-kim-jong-un-reportedly-very-drunk-when-ordering-executions/?intcmp=latestnews)

[molson]

I like how they sent a faxed warning to South Korea that said they were going to attack without warning.

[Dutch]

I like how they sent a faxed warning to South Korea that said they were going to attack without warning.

I'm assuming South Korea doesn't use fax machines anymore, so I think they are still safe for their surprise attack.

[cartman]

More info on the circumstances around the purging of the uncle:

Korea Execution Is Tied to Clash Over Businesses - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/24/world/asia/north-korea-purge.html?pagewanted=2&smid=tw-share&pagewanted=all&_r=0)

[molson]

More info on the circumstances around the purging of the uncle:

Korea Execution Is Tied to Clash Over Businesses - NYTimes.com (http://www.nytimes.com/2013/12/24/world/asia/north-korea-purge.html?pagewanted=2&smid=tw-share&pagewanted=all&_r=0)

I'm certainly no fan of Kim Jong-un, but I'd have to say that when you're a government employee, seizing your own government's land and then fighting the military to retain is probably worthy of at least some kind of written reprimand.

[Buccaneer]

I'm certainly no fan of Kim Jong-un, but I'd have to say that when you're a government employee, seizing your own government's land and then fighting the military to retain is probably worthy of at least some kind of written reprimand.

or in the case of our federal government, a promotion in the DHS or at least a partnership in a lobbyist firm.

[NobodyHere]

...died in front of a firing squad. But instead of rifles, the squad used antiaircraft machine guns

ouch

[cartman]

Note to self: Don't get on Kim Jong-Un's bad side. Damn.

Jang's execution bodes ill for China (http://www.straitstimes.com/the-big-story/asia-report/china/story/jangs-execution-bodes-ill-china-20131224)

According to the report, unlike previous executions of political prisoners which were carried out by firing squads with machine guns, Jang was stripped naked and thrown into a cage, along with his five closest aides. Then 120 hounds, starved for three days, were allowed to prey on them until they were completely eaten up. This is called "quan jue", or execution by dogs.

[EagleFan]

He's the anti-Vick...

[PilotMan]

After reading the article, I would have changed the title to Jang execution bodes ill for North Korea.

[molson]

It's tough to be scared of a regime who believes a ski lift is a spectacular technological achievement.

This photo of Kim Jong Un riding a ski lift is North Korea’s way of flipping off Europe (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/12/31/this-photo-of-kim-jong-un-riding-a-ski-lift-is-north-koreas-way-of-flipping-off-europe/)

[JPhillips]

How lucky is the sixth closest aide?

[albionmoonlight]

It's tough to be scared of a regime who believes a ski lift is a spectacular technological achievement.

This photo of Kim Jong Un riding a ski lift is North Korea’s way of flipping off Europe (http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2013/12/31/this-photo-of-kim-jong-un-riding-a-ski-lift-is-north-koreas-way-of-flipping-off-europe/)

I'm a little scared of a regime that has a word for "execution by dog."

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Jesus, this guy is quite the peach. Unbelievable.

[BillJasper]

I'm a little scared of a regime that has a word for "execution by dog."

The only people scared of him though are his own. We play patty-cake with him, but if he did something truly stupid outside of North Korea we'd crush him bug.

[Dr. Sak]

North Korea: Did Kim Jong Un Feed His Uncle to the Dogs? | TIME.com (http://world.time.com/2014/01/03/a-dog-of-a-story-why-kim-jong-un-probably-did-not-feed-his-uncle-to-120-hounds/?hpt=hp_t2)

[CU Tiger]

There is a certain irony about a Korean being fed TO dogs though...

What?!? Too soon?

[fantom1979]

How lucky is the sixth closest aide?

This made me chuckle.

[Julio Riddols]

North Korea is like a bad movie that is so bad its good. Some intrepid journalist needs to sneak in there and find a way to get some info out about how fucked up things really are there.

[Julio Riddols]

I think it would make a fantastic sitcom.

[BillJasper]

I think it would make a fantastic sitcom.

It would definitely need to be on cable or Netflix!

[cartman]

You mean Team America:World Police wasn't a documentary?

[lungs]

Not saying the guy isn't a fuck but aren't a lot of these stories just made up by the South Koreans?

[Buccaneer]

North Korea is like a bad movie that is so bad its good. Some intrepid journalist needs to sneak in there and find a way to get some info out about how fucked up things really are there.

I would say it should be the other way around. The greatest tragedy is the population living in fear, bondage and most of all, under lies and deception. Outside people need to tell the people the truth about freedom and liberty, even just comparing to South Korea.

[DaddyTorgo]

Not saying the guy isn't a fuck but aren't a lot of these stories just made up by the South Koreans?

Nah. No need to make things up when he's as bonkers as he is.

[Neon_Chaos]

North Korea is like a bad movie that is so bad its good. Some intrepid journalist needs to sneak in there and find a way to get some info out about how fucked up things really are there.

Look for Inside North Korea from Nat Geo.

As well as Vice's guide to North Korea.

Really eye opening. The Kims have built a cult of personality over there.

[molson]

Look for Inside North Korea from Nat Geo.

As well as Vice's guide to North Korea.

Really eye opening. The Kims have built a cult of personality over there.

Nothing to Envy is a book with really interesting perspectives from North Korean defectors. Nothing direct from inside the regime, but you can kind of get a sense of what the regime tries to accomplish and how. The biggest thing I took away from that book was how aware the younger North Koreans were of their plight. They are aware of how ending up on the wrong side of the border changed their destiny.

[molson]

So what's the deal with Dennis Rodman and North Korea and how has he convinced 6 other adults to go with him to pal around with Kim Jong Un?

Angry Dennis Rodman defends North Korea basketball game - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/07/world/asia/north-korea-dennis-rodman/index.html?hpt=hp_t1)

[Coffee Warlord]

He's a CIA operative, and has recruited his infiltration team.

[molson]

He's a CIA operative, and has recruited his infiltration team.

OK, well that's better than what I assumed, which was that Rodman was replacing Kim Jong Un's executed uncle in the regime. And that Vin Baker was the new Secretary of tourism.

[Lathum]

So what's the deal with Dennis Rodman and North Korea and how has he convinced 6 other adults to go with him to pal around with Kim Jong Un?

Angry Dennis Rodman defends North Korea basketball game - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2014/01/07/world/asia/north-korea-dennis-rodman/index.html?hpt=hp_t1)

Rodman is too dumb to realize why he is being criticized and the other guys are likely getting a fat paycheck.

[Julio Riddols]

All I care about is that this ends in a movie or a TV show. I'm part of the problem.. But come on, there must be something special about the son of a guy who scored several holes in one every time he stepped on a golf course. Kim Jong Un is just doing what is best for his people and loves them very much.

[Dr. Sak]

I want to know if they have to throw the game...because it wouldn't surprise me that if the American's won, they could suffer the same fate as the uncle.

[Lathum]

I want to know if they have to throw the game...because it wouldn't surprise me that if the American's won, they could suffer the same fate as the uncle.

I had the same thought

[BillJasper]

I want to know if they have to throw the game...because it wouldn't surprise me that if the American's won, they could suffer the same fate as the uncle.

I had the same thought

Same here.

[Lathum]

I wonder how the US team will feel when the reports come out stating North Korea won 167-19 with Un having a quadruple double

[sterlingice]

Rodman is too dumb to realize why he is being criticized and the other guys are likely getting a fat paycheck.

I dunno, for someone who begs for attention and hasn't gotten it in 10 years, this seems to be working.

SI

[molson]

I want to know if they have to throw the game...because it wouldn't surprise me that if the American's won, they could suffer the same fate as the uncle.

Unless they switch-it-up and go "losers get executed". In which case it would probably be a very exciting game.

[jeff061]

I don't think gaining attention is difficult or a sign of intellect if looking like a self centered moron is not a deterrent.

[BillJasper]

Unless they switch-it-up and go "losers get executed". In which case it would probably be a very exciting game.

They'd still have to shoot all the American players in the knee, even then it probably wouldn't be a close game.

[dubb93]

I wonder how the US team will feel when the reports come out stating North Korea won 167-19 with Un having a quadruple double

Lies. I streamed the game and he had 165 points and one assist.

[MacroGuru]

The US should pull Rodmans papers and leave him in NK...

[molson]

The US should pull Rodmans papers and leave him in NK...

I wonder if there's some line he could cross that would result in U.S. detention of some kind.

[sabotai]

All I care about is that this ends in a movie or a TV show.

There was one on Rodman's first visit. HBO's VICE did a whole episode on it. Their entire stay there was completely controlled but even then, they got some good footage and it was pretty creepy.

[PilotMan]

I wonder if there's some line he could cross that would result in NK detention of some kind.

This seems more likely.

[Julio Riddols]

There was one on Rodman's first visit. HBO's VICE did a whole episode on it. Their entire stay there was completely controlled but even then, they got some good footage and it was pretty creepy.

I'll be watching that soon, I am sure. I like a lot of Vice's stuff, My favorite so far was their doc about that mysterious powder in South America that basically turns people into manipulatable drones. Makes me think a woman should be traveling with an entourage if they ever visit such a place.

[molson]

This seems more likely.

There's at least a 50% likelihood that Jean-Claude Van Damme has already made a movie about a group of commandos entering an enemy country to rescue an imprisoned American basketball star. That may or may not have actually been the plot of the movie Van Damme starred with Dennis Rodman in.

[Desnudo]

He's probably just escaping the cold weather

http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lkeqozWUwy1qbszkbo1_500.jpg

[MacroGuru]

Looks like Rodman is already back pedaling and apologizing for his antics. Someone must have called him..

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Sketches from UN report......

Haunting sketches show horror of North Korean prison camps | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/02/20/haunting-sketches-show-horror-north-korean-prison-camps/?intcmp=latestnews)

Also I watched 'Camp 14' last night on Netflix. Interviews a former prisoner along with two former guards. Really intense stuff.

[jeff061]

I guess I'm fine with those atrocities getting some press, but is there anything in that report we didn't already know?

[JPhillips]

All of the stress position drawings could have been made at Abu Ghraib.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Solid win for Kim Jong-Un.....

N. Korean leader enjoys 100% 'poll' win - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/n-korean-leader-enjoys-100-poll-win-045448506.html)

[NobodyHere]

More like Kim Jong-Unanimous!

[BillJasper]

Solid win for Kim Jong-Un.....

N. Korean leader enjoys 100% 'poll' win - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/n-korean-leader-enjoys-100-poll-win-045448506.html)

After a while it seems like it would just be no fun. Like playing video games on the easiest level.

[sterlingice]

After a while it seems like it would just be no fun. Like playing video games on the easiest level.

Quality post, this :D

Then again, he's new (Un)

SI

[fantom1979]

Just reminds me of this:

Iraqi presidential referendum, 1995 - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iraqi_presidential_referendum,_1995)

where Saddam Hussein got 99.47% of the vote. I would be interested in knowing what happened to the 3052 people that voted against him.

[BillJasper]

This book shows just how demented and fucked up everything is inside North Korea...

Amazon.com: Nothing to Envy: Ordinary Lives in North Korea eBook: Barbara Demick: Kindle Store (http://www.amazon.com/Nothing-Envy-Ordinary-Lives-North-ebook/dp/B002ZB26AO/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1396130487&sr=1-1&keywords=nothing+to+envy)

Definitely a sad state of affairs there. :(

[cartman]

Be careful if Kim Jong-Un invites you over for a BBQ.

North Korean official 'executed by flame-thrower' - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10750082/North-Korean-official-executed-by-flame-thrower.html)

[BillJasper]

Be careful if Kim Jong-Un invites you over for a BBQ.

North Korean official 'executed by flame-thrower' - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10750082/North-Korean-official-executed-by-flame-thrower.html)

Like a really bad cartoon over there. One that has been on for way too long.

[sterlingice]

I think I saw that Bond movie

SI

[cartman]

Interesting viewpoints from some recent North Korean defectors.

How much longer will North Korean regime last? - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10752524/How-much-longer-will-North-Korean-regime-last.html)

[BillJasper]

Interesting viewpoints from some recent North Korean defectors.

How much longer will North Korean regime last? - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10752524/How-much-longer-will-North-Korean-regime-last.html)

I don't see the regime falling until the rest of the world cuts off aid. When that happens, it's going to be painful with a high body count for the North Korean populace any way they go and possibly painful with a high body count for the South Korean populace. Plus, the U.S. will likely lose a large amount of troops.

North Korea is a ticking time bomb.

[cartman]

Couldn't decide if this belonged here, or in the Strava/Runkeeper thread. Run a marathon in Pyongyang next year!

Pyongyang Marathon 2015 - Experience North Korea (http://experiencenorthkorea.com/pyongyang-marathon/)

[molson]

Here's some photos and info about this year's marathon.

Photos from North Korea's Very Unusual Marathon - The Wire (http://www.thewire.com/global/2014/04/photos-from-north-koreas-very-unusual-marathon/360648/)

It would be an interesting experience, but you'd have to fork over some money that funds the regime. I know these groups based in the UK exist, they get lots of tourists in and out of North Korea on "supervised tours" every year without incident, but you're funding a brutal dictator and all that.

[molson]

Some photos of a tourist's trip to North Korea. Obviously, this is the version of North Korea the regime wants you to see, but it's interesting to get an idea of what a visit would be like.

http://imgur.com/a/F04gj

[flere-imsaho]

I'm torn by this.

On one hand, the allowing of foreigners into the country will eventually introduce enough of the outside world to entice change (as it did for the USSR).

On the other hand, this is a regime that literally kills babies born in labor camps. Nothing should be done to support the regime.

[BillJasper]

Some photos of a tourist's trip to North Korea. Obviously, this is the version of North Korea the regime wants you to see, but it's interesting to get an idea of what a visit would be like.

http://imgur.com/a/F04gj

It's incredible how devoid of life North Korea looks in those photos.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I occasionally enjoy reading up on the NK official news site to see what's going on over there. Stuff like this makes for entertaining reading.

Challengers to DPRK Will Never Be Pardoned: CPRK Spokesman
Pyongyang, April 27 (KCNA) -- The spokesman for the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea released a statement on Sunday assailing U.S. President Obama's tour of south Korea from April 25 to 26.

The statement said: Due to the tragedy of sinking of a ferry the whole land of south Korea looks like a mourner's house. Had Obama have even an iota of ethics and morality, he should have postponed or shelved his trip. The American master and his servant staged the farce of insulting, threatening and blackmailing the DPRK during the former's criminal tour of south Korea utterly indifferent to the sorrow of south Koreans. This was entirely to serve the purpose of collusion and conspiracy in their campaign against the DPRK.

What Park did before Obama this time reminds one of an indiscreet girl who earnestly begs a gangster to beat someone or a capricious whore who asks her fancy man to do harm to other person while providing sex to him.

Through her ugly behavior Park answered with a war the question put by the DPRK if she wants peaceful reunification based on the inter-Korean reconciliation or a war through the confrontation of the social systems, and fully revealed that her policy of "confidence- building process" is just the same policy of confrontation as that pursued by traitor Lee Myung Bak. She, at the same time, declared before the whole world her intention to drive the situation to the worst catastrophe through the confrontation with the DPRK to the last in utter disregard of the north-south relations.

She fully met the demands of her master for aggression, keeping mum about the nukes of the U.S. and desperately finding fault with fellow countrymen in the north over their nukes. She thus laid bare her despicable true colors as a wicked sycophant and traitor, a dirty comfort woman for the U.S. and despicable prostitute selling off the nation.

She visited together with Obama even the "south Korea-U.S. combined forces command" for the first time as a puppet chief executive and went off confrontation hysteria, crying out for "deterrence against the north" and "resolutely countering provocation from it." She even donned a dress unfit for the atmosphere of the mourner's house in the wake of the big tragedy and embarrassedly flattered Obama in a bid to please him, sparking off uproar.

The anti-DPRK charade staged by Obama and his servant became a laughing stock of world people as it was nothing but an odd burlesque rare to be found in the world.

The outcome of Obama's south Korean junket clearly proved that the DPRK was entirely just when it judged and determined that it should counter the U.S., the sworn enemy, by force only, not just talking, and should finally settle accounts with it through an all-out nuclear showdown. This, at the same time, only hardens the will and resolution of the DPRK to keep to the road chosen by it. Park's true colors and ulterior motive were brought to daylight.

There is no remedy for Park and there is nothing to expect from her as far as the inter-Korean relations are concerned as long as she remains a boss of Chongwadae.

She is steeped in sycophancy and treachery and confrontation with compatriots in the north. Her preoccupation is to realize the dream of confrontation of the social systems.

Genes remain unchanged. Needless to say, her present behavior suggests that her fate will be just the same as that of her father Park Chung Hee who met a miserable death after being forsaken by his master and public while crying out for "unification by prevailing over communism" and "unification by stamping out communism".

The DPRK will never pardon anyone who dares challenge its dignity, social system and its line of simultaneously developing the two fronts, the statement warned.

[cartman]

A video game where you get to play as Kim Jong Un, AND have Dennis Rodman as your sidekick?

SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!

Kim Jong Un Video Game Is The Enemy Of Capitalist Pigs (http://kotaku.com/kim-jong-un-video-game-is-the-enemy-of-capitalist-pigs-1576572431)

[Dutch]

It's incredible how devoid of life North Korea looks in those photos.

Pretty interesting picture gallery.

[BillJasper]

I love this one. Two cars are in the photo!

http://i1187.photobucket.com/albums/z387/BillJ66/Korea_zps5d4ee052.png (http://s1187.photobucket.com/user/BillJ66/media/Korea_zps5d4ee052.png.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

How many get executed for this?

Many feared dead as North Korea apologizes for Pyongyang apartment building collapse | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2014/05/18/many-feared-dead-as-north-korea-apologizes-for-pyongyang-apartment-building/)

[NobodyHere]

Maybe those dead were the ones that built/designed the apartment and that WAS their execution.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Maybe those dead were the ones that built/designed the apartment and that WAS their execution.

Kim Jong Un approves!

[BillJasper]

I imagine the collapse was intentional and will be used as the reason to execute those that have fallen out of favor with the party.

[StLee]

Fox News: Learn "lead" vs "led," please.

I'm also quite shocked that North Korea would let this story out and not blame it on a US/South Korea bombing or something.

[NobodyHere]

I'm beginning to think that communist dictator regimes aren't very trustworthy
The reportedly executed ex-lover of Kim Jong Un seems to be very much alive (http://www.nydailynews.com/news/world/north-korean-ex-lover-kim-jong-appears-executed-article-1.1796085)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Interesting to watch.

<iframe width="1280" height="720" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/D4hLctBvojE" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[BillJasper]

I kept waiting for the Red Hour to start.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

N.Korea's Kim blasts weather service for 'incorrect' forecasts - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/n-koreas-kim-blasts-weather-incorrect-forecasts-064710689.html)

[Butter]

30 Rock - North Korean Weather - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OhohteHuyPM)

[Coffee Warlord]

N.Korea's Kim blasts weather service for 'incorrect' forecasts - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/n-koreas-kim-blasts-weather-incorrect-forecasts-064710689.html)

They need to be careful with their headlines. "Blast" and Kim Jong Un could be taken very literally.

[Lathum]

Accurate forecasts are needed to protect the "lives and properties" of people from disasters caused by "abnormal climatic phenomenon", he said.

odd comment coming from the biggest threat to the lives of the people of North Korea.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Kim Jong-Un Mans A Soviet Submarine That's Been Obsolete Since 1961 [PHOTOS] - Business Insider (http://www.businessinsider.com/kim-jong-un-mans-a-soviet-submarine-thats-been-obsolete-since-1961-photos-2014-6)

[flere-imsaho]

1. Dude looks fatter. Maybe he'll die early?

2. Can you imagine the trepidation that sub captain had, hoping everything would actually work while Kim was on board?

3. Surprising to read they actually have 60 (albeit probably not very capable) submarines. I wonder how many of those are operable?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

1. Dude looks fatter. Maybe he'll die early?

2. Can you imagine the trepidation that sub captain had, hoping everything would actually work while Kim was on board?

3. Surprising to read they actually have 60 (albeit probably not very capable) submarines. I wonder how many of those are operable?

I hope we are able to get some in-depth views of this country sometime in my lifetime. It's fascinating stuff, even while realizing how their population suffers under their rule.

[DaddyTorgo]

Their subs are all diesel/electric boats from the 1950's and such. So...not exactly cutting edge. A torpedo with a 4-mile range? LOL. Those things are so noisy that I have a feeling US surface ships can detect them much farther away than that.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Forgot to post this for flere.....

The Chosun Ilbo (English Edition): Daily News from Korea - N.Korean Leader Getting Fatter (http://english.chosun.com/site/data/html_dir/2014/05/08/2014050801606.html)

[BillJasper]

I thought the guy was relatively young? Could have cancer or a thyroid condition.

[sabotai]

Their subs are all diesel/electric boats from the 1950's and such. So...not exactly cutting edge. A torpedo with a 4-mile range? LOL. Those things are so noisy that I have a feeling US surface ships can detect them much farther away than that.

You can do a lot of damage with a diesel sub!

Down Periscope (1996) - IMDb (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0116130/?ref_=nv_sr_1)

[flere-imsaho]

I thought the guy was relatively young? Could have cancer or a thyroid condition.

Or it could be that he's the only one who actually eats well in North Korea.

[PilotMan]

Exactly.

[molson]

In a place like North Korea, a thing like genocide doesn't even necessarily stand out, but one might be going on right now.

Report: A Genocide May Be Happening in North Korea - TIME (http://time.com/2896976/north-korea-genocide/)

[flere-imsaho]

I'd argue a genocide has been happening ever since the end of the Korean War. What else do you call it when the government systematically starves millions of citizens to death, and then executes countless others for various & sundry reasons?

Maybe it needs to have a specific ethnic targeting to be a genocide, but it's still millions of people being killed.

[PilotMan]

North Korea Regime Confidant Rails Against Seth Rogen Film 'The Interview' (https://uk.yahoo.com/movies/north-korea-regime-confidant-rails-against-seth-rogen-89636547306.html)

In an interview with The Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/10914088/North-Korea-slams-US-film-The-Interview-about-Kim-Jong-un.html), Kim Myong-chol, executive director of The Centre for North Korea-US Peace, and an unofficial spokesman for Kim Jong Un's regime, criticized The Interview.

"There is a special irony in this storyline as it shows the desperation of the US government and American society," Kim Myong-chol said. ”A film about the assassination of a foreign leader mirrors what the US has done in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and Ukraine.” He pointed out that JFK was killed by Americans and added that “President [Barack] Obama should be careful in case the US military wants to kill him as well.”

[NobodyHere]

pfft, everyone knows Kennedy was killed by the CIA and not the military.

[BillJasper]

I know I've said it before, but Kim Jong-Whothehellcares comes off like a fucking cartoon character:

North Korea says Seth Rogen&#x27;s new movie is an &#x27;act of war&#x27; | The Verge (http://www.theverge.com/2014/6/25/5840950/north-korea-says-seth-rogens-james-franco-movie-act-of-war)

[JPhillips]

First time I've seen rubbish used as a verb.

[Julio Riddols]

I really hope the movie gets released and North Korea tries something so we can just wipe them out real quick and save the remaining people from the craziness.

[BillJasper]

I really hope the movie gets released and North Korea tries something so we can just wipe them out real quick and save the remaining people from the craziness.

Unless the North Korean military just surrenders, it will be a bloody affair.

[Matthean]

Clearly he has higher hopes that those two actors would be in a movie where they would successfully pull this off compared to me.

[Julio Riddols]

I sometimes wonder if Kim Jong Un actually believes he is some sort of god among men. I mean, presumably he was raised that way.

Also, yes, I like those two actors. I think it would be a funny movie whether they plotted to assassinate the weird pudgy dude from N. Korea or Queen Elizabeth. I think it would be doubly funny if the assassination backfired on them in a surprise twist at the end.

[cartman]

I've always wondered how his father felt about "Team America:World Police".

[Solecismic]

It's interesting how much of the world views speech. As if it's the government's responsibility to control everything. It probably doesn't even occur to Kim Jong Un that Obama can't wave a magic wand (or issue an executive order) to stop this movie - or even that the government doesn't approve movies before they're released.

Even a few decades ago, television networks had very controlling "Standards and Practices" departments that would probably stop something like this on TV.

Of course, no one seemed to care in North Korea when Kim Jong Un made those disgusting comments about Obama, so screw him. Those without self-awareness can stew in their own indignation.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I'm guessing that the guy who sprained his ankle in the Pyongyang rec center basketball league was killed by a hand grenade shoved in his rectum.

North Korea's Kim takes center stage with a limp - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/north-koreas-kim-takes-center-stage-limp-035301368.html)

[Coffee Warlord]

Gout.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The Hermit Kingdom: An Inside View Of North Korea's Hidden Car Culture (http://jalopnik.com/the-hermit-kingdom-an-inside-view-of-north-koreas-hidd-1601643044/+andrasneltz)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

World Cup 2014: North Korea media tells country that its team has reached World Cup final | Metro News (http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/12/north-korea-media-tells-country-that-its-team-has-reached-world-cup-final-4796033/)

[AlexB]

Big crowds at the WC games ;)

[Matthean]

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-ux1TzKQnJA" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[Blackadar]

World Cup 2014: North Korea media tells country that its team has reached World Cup final | Metro News (http://metro.co.uk/2014/07/12/north-korea-media-tells-country-that-its-team-has-reached-world-cup-final-4796033/)

That's one of the funniest things I've seen in a while.

I think The Onion has purchased North Korea and is creating one epic prank on the rest of the world.

[Thomkal]

You probably don't want to piss off God North Korea:

http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/08/14/us-northkorea-rockets-idUSKBN0GE06D20140814

[cartman]

This might make things interesting:

North Korea transfers tanks to Chinese border - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11043980/North-Korea-transfers-tanks-to-Chinese-border.html)

[BillJasper]

This might make things interesting:

North Korea transfers tanks to Chinese border - Telegraph (http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/asia/northkorea/11043980/North-Korea-transfers-tanks-to-Chinese-border.html)

I have to hand it to North Korea. They may be incredibly inept, but they're entertaining.

[cartman]

Be careful what you wish for.

US man in North Korea given 6 years of hard labor (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/north-korea-sentences-american-man-6-years)

[BillJasper]

Be careful what you wish for.

US man in North Korea given 6 years of hard labor (http://bigstory.ap.org/article/north-korea-sentences-american-man-6-years)

What a moron.

[Desnudo]

What a moron.

Moron from US goes to North Korea, surprised it's a dictatorship

[Thomkal]

North Korean TV finally admits Kim is having medical issues: suffering from "discomfort":

North Korean TV acknowledges leader Kim Jong Un's health problems - Yahoo News (http://news.yahoo.com/north-korean-tv-acknowledges-leader-kim-jong-uns-092324172.html)

[molson]

It could be based on an addiction to swiss cheese

Kim Jong-un health fears after weeks without public appearanceÂ* | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2769462/Is-really-Un-Fears-health-North-Korean-dictator-weeks-without-public-appearance.html)

[BillJasper]

It could be based on an addiction to swiss cheese

Kim Jong-un health fears after weeks without public appearanceÂ* | Daily Mail Online (http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2769462/Is-really-Un-Fears-health-North-Korean-dictator-weeks-without-public-appearance.html)

How much cheese do you have to eat to be unhealthy at 31?

[Thomkal]

North Korea has released the two remaining Americans and their plane should be arriving on American soil around midnight ET.

North Korea frees Americans Kenneth Bae, Matthew Miller - CNN.com (http://www.cnn.com/2014/11/08/world/asia/us-north-korea-detainees-released/index.html?hpt=hp_t1)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Ouch. That'll leave a mark. Defense chief executed by AA gun.

http://af.reuters.com/article/worldNews/idAFKBN0NY01H20150513?sp=true

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Watching the 'Big Bang in Pyongyang' documentary about Rodman's basketball trip to North Korea. Man, he was a disaster. Kudos to the film producers for doing a great job of accurately portraying the situation.

[BillJasper]

Watching the 'Big Bang in Pyongyang' documentary about Rodman's basketball trip to North Korea. Man, he was a disaster. Kudos to the film producers for doing a great job of accurately portraying the situation.

That was just odd all the way around. Wish they would've kept Rodman though.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

I didn't realize that one of the Google execs visited North Korea and was even allowed to take pics in the mausoleum. Pretty amazing to see.

Massimo Scola's Pictures Photo Keywords: Mausoleum, asia (http://www.massimo.photos/keyword/Mausoleum;asia/)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Dola

Here's the trip report from the daughter of the exec. Fantastic stuff.

Sophie In North Korea (https://sites.google.com/site/sophieinnorthkorea/home)

[albionmoonlight]

What happens if the NK regime just collapses? Does South Korea come in and take over? China? What interests will Japan or the United States claim? Will there be a big war over it? Does any other country even want to suddenly take responsibility for millions of starving and brainwashed people?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

What happens if the NK regime just collapses? Does South Korea come in and take over? China? What interests will Japan or the United States claim? Will there be a big war over it? Does any other country even want to suddenly take responsibility for millions of starving and brainwashed people?

China seems like a no brainer. Honestly, the somewhat restrictive policies in China would be a good stepping stone for a leaderless North Korea. I'm not sure the population would be equipped to handle total freedom right off the bat.

[JPhillips]

What happens if the NK regime just collapses? Does South Korea come in and take over? China? What interests will Japan or the United States claim? Will there be a big war over it? Does any other country even want to suddenly take responsibility for millions of starving and brainwashed people?

I checked my EU4 ruler info and it said succession war between China and USA.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Scientists worked on tenderness of NK's beef and Kim Jong Il's libido while hundreds of thousands died of starvation.

http://www.newsweek.com/kim-jong-il-north-korea-libido-diabetes-436205

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Teen hacks into North Korean Facebook using the password 'Password' | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/06/01/teen-hacks-into-north-korean-facebook-using-password-password.html)

[Critch]

Those crazy Totalitarians know a great leader when they see one:

North Korea editorial praises 'wise' Trump (http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-36423319)

[molson]

Teen hacks into North Korean Facebook using the password 'Password' | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2016/06/01/teen-hacks-into-north-korean-facebook-using-password-password.html)

That was a really missed opportunity for that kid.

[Dutch]

I checked my EU4 ruler info and it said succession war between China and USA.

In CKII, it's the crazy half-sister you banished there for fun that puts in a weak claim and takes over because nobody else cared.

[Thomkal]

So North Korea has launched its own Netflix like video service. And you won't believe what's it called (I had to check a couple sites to see if it was legit or not)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbycarpenter/2016/08/18/kim-jong-un-supposedly-gives-north-korea-its-own-mysterious-authoritarian-style-netflix/#eb97fbc6cfc9

[BillJasper]

So North Korea has launched its own Netflix like video service. And you won't believe what's it called (I had to check a couple sites to see if it was legit or not)

http://www.forbes.com/sites/shelbycarpenter/2016/08/18/kim-jong-un-supposedly-gives-north-korea-its-own-mysterious-authoritarian-style-netflix/#eb97fbc6cfc9

While the West is laughing, someone will get executed over it.

[PilotMan]

It means everywhere in Korean I guess.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

The 'Execution by Anti-Aircraft Gun' thing never gets old evidently.......

North Korea reportedly executes two top officials with anti-aircraft guns | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/08/30/north-korea-reportedly-executes-two-top-officials-with-anti-aircraft-guns.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They're getting some pretty big bombs at this point. Methinks this will have to be dealt with in a big way in the next 20-30 years.

North Korea says it conducted 5th nuclear test | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/09/09/north-korea-says-it-conducted-5th-nuclear-test.html)

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Lots of new information on Camp #25......

http://www.hrnk.org/uploads/pdfs/ASA_HRNK_Camp25_Update2.pdf

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

They're not a fan of our new leaders.

http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/03/asia/mattis-us-north-korea-thaad-missile-defense/index.html

[JPhillips]

Shouldn't they be formally PUT ON NOTICE?

[Easy Mac]

They're just mad they don't have the craziest dictator in the world anymore.

[Edward64]

They're getting some pretty big bombs at this point. Methinks this will have to be dealt with in a big way in the next 20-30 years.

North Korea says it conducted 5th nuclear test | Fox News (http://www.foxnews.com/world/2016/09/09/north-korea-says-it-conducted-5th-nuclear-test.html)

I always thought that GWB should have addressed NK first in the Axis of Evil. Iraq and Iran weren't run by a lunatic. There are a handful of enemies that I think deserves exception on the policy of no assassination.

[bhlloy]

Iran and Iraq also weren't basically guaranteed by China

[Edward64]

Iran and Iraq also weren't basically guaranteed by China

I was thinking covert assassination.

[bhlloy]

Consider we never managed to actually kill Castro who was basically a raft trip away, I don't think that's as easily done as you would think. Plus even if we kill one Kim another one pops up.