Kim jong jin biography of michael

Kim Young-jin
December 28, 2011
Korea Times

Seasoned journalist Michael Breen has released an updated edition of his book "Kim Jong-il: North Korea's Dear Leader," a timely analysis that comes in the immediate aftermath of the late Stalinist ruler's death.

A longtime reporter and commentator who has visited the isolated, nuclear-armed state several times, Breen's in-depth examination comes as Pyongyang attempts to pass power to Kim's untested youngest son, Kim Jong-un.

Understanding the North's current situation, the author says, is impossible without piecing together the life story of the man responsible for leaving its people impoverished and a system "dumped onto the ash heap of history."

But this is easier said than done as the mercurial despot worked behind the scenes, rarely gave interviews and because his personal history was heavily embellished by Pyongyang's propaganda machine.

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