Is it possible given their financial state and trade isolation that they might not have the resources to pull of a state funeral and deal with hundreds of foreign dignitaries at one time successfully? We all know they are a hollow shell putting on a false front of success and power. That shell could be too thin to take the strain of a grand event without months of prior planning and accumulating supplies.
NK has its friends, particularly the Chinese, but it is a short list. Funerals are prime opportunity for a “coronation” of the new leader by the outside world, that goes to greatly legitimizing the new regime.
I have never heard of a dictator succession anywhere, anytime that excluded allies, very odd.
I believe the new leadership is in play.
#5- good point