[AdmSmith]

A North Korean slush fund established exclusively for Kim Jong Un’s use could be running out of money, according to a Japanese press report.

Tokyo Shimbun reported Monday “Fund No. 216,” a stash of money the North Korean leader inherited from father Kim Jong Il, retains less than $1 billion. When Kim Jong Un inherited the fund, it was worth about $4 billion to $5 billion. A North Korean source told the Japanese news service the cause of the decline in funds is international sanctions.

https://www.upi.com/Top_News/World-News/2019/12/30/Kim-Jong-Un-slush-fund-running-out-report-says/3961577708006/

That is why China and Russia are doing this:
http://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/AJ201912300012.html

Former North Korean Premier Pak Pong-ju, considered No. 3 in Pyongyang's power hierarchy, was absent from a key Workers’ Party meeting for the second day in a row, spurring speculation about what happened to him.
https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20191230005300325

My guess: This is bad news. He is not in agreement with Kim about the next step (Pak is promoting better relations with the West according to a little bird)

[AdmSmith]

In at most 17 h we will know if there will be any x-mas gift from Kim https://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/north-korea/pyongyang otherwise it will be a HNY-gift.

[nuconvert]

“My guess: This is bad news. He is not in agreement with Kim about the next step (Pak is promoting better relations with the West according to a little bird)”

Well, he is 80 yrs old. Then again, could be forced permanent retirement

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks AdmSmith.