Kim Jong-Un urgently needs foreign currency to secure the support of N. Korea’s ruling elite

Special to WorldTribune.com

Obtaining foreign currency is the most important thing that Kim Jong-Un can do to secure the short-term future of his new regime, sources and analysts in Seoul say.

unarmed — North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un inspects weapons in this undated still image taken from video at an unknown location in North Korea released by North Korean state TV KRT on Jan. 8. /Reuters

Kim Jong-Un, believed to be in his late 20s, became ruler of the destitute country following the death of his father, Kim Jong-Il, in December.

“Kim lacks experience, credential and charisma to command his country’s ruling elite and the powerful military, and therefore he has to provide something material to buy their loyalty,” said a source in Seoul well versed in the North.

Kim Jong-Il was a charismatic and authoritarian leader who commanded fear from the entire society, enabling him to maintain a tight grip on power.

His father and national founder, Kim Il-Sung, on the other hand, enjoyed strong popularity by maintaining images of geniality and intelligence.

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Kim Il-Sung, Kim Jong-Il, Kim Jong-Un, Kim Jong-Un urgently needs foreign currency to secure the support of N. Korea’s ruling elite

Kim Jong-Un urgently needs foreign currency to secure the support of N. Korea’s ruling elite added by World Tribune on February 8, 2012
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