Posted on 07/10/2009 2:19:28 AM PDT by TigerLikesRooster
Young Mystery General Spotted Trailing Kim Jong-il
South Korean intelligence services have spotted a young-looking one-star general walking behind North Korean leader Kim Jong-il in images taken during on-the-spot guidance tours this year, but it was unclear whether that was the elusive heir apparent Jong-un.
An intelligence officer said, "In the process of closely scrutinizing photos and video images... we twice or three times spotted a young man in his mid- or late 20s in a one-star general's uniform escorting Kim, but it's unclear who he is because their definition is poor and the images are small."
He added the young man "could be" Kim Jong-un, who is mentioned as the heir apparent, or a son of another senior official. But he added it was "most unlikely" that a mere bodyguard would wear a general's insignia.
A senior government official said Kim junior is believed to be working at the Administrative Department of the National Defense Commission, North Korea's supreme power organ. "But we don't know whether he has any rank or position within the military."
A North Korea expert said the Administrative Department seems to supervise four major agencies, the General Political Department of the People's Army, the Ministry of People's Armed Forces, the General Staff, and the Defense Security Command. "If the story about Kim Jong-un being the heir apparent is well-founded, he is apparently learning how to control and supervise the military under the military-first doctrine."
Nice to have a powerful daddy. You get to put on a star in 20's.
Ping!
Sure, but it could be a very short career. I don’t know if the crop of old geezers that make up the NK brass are going to sit still for a third generation of the dynasty.
I know of a wreckless young cavalryman who became a young general in his early 20’s, but that was many years ago.
I was thinking the same thing. The way he ended makes it clear that giving stars to kids is not a good idea.
George Custer?
Yep.
Technically speaking, Custer was quite accomplished as a twenty-something general, which was a brevet rank he held during the war. His hubris caught up to him when he was in his late 30’s and serving as a Lieutenant Colonel.
Thank you for the information!
I think the funniest thing about the Kim Jong family is his statement that his middle son is “too girly”.
Yes, because SHE’S A GIRL.
Yeah very nice of Chia Pet give medals to his son
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.