Sunday Mirror (Northern Ireland)
BRACED FOR A KIM JONG UNLEASHED
Wave of violence predicted as tyrant returns
NORTH Korea is braced for a violent backlash from Kim Jong-un after the tyrant made a dramatic comeback from his mysterious absence.
The despot is likely to order a “wave of public executions” and fresh nuclear threats against the West to re-establish credibility after being off grid for weeks.
Insiders believe the dynastic Supreme Leader of the world’s most secretive country fled the Covid-19 outbreak sweeping his country – or was taken ill.
Kim, 36, was even rumoured to have died of heart issues after he last appeared in public on April 11.
But he has now appeared in public for the first time in nearly three weeks, according to the country’s state media.
KCNA news agency reported the despot cutting the ribbon at the opening of a fertiliser factory on Friday.
It added people “broke into thunderous cheers of hurrah” when he appeared, with his younger sister Kim Yo-jong, 32, alongside him.
South Korean intelligence – usually the most reliable source on Pyongyangrelated rumours – had earlier confirmed he was alive and well.
KILLINGS
And satellite images showed the dictator’s personal train at the coastal retreat of Wonsan.
In the past, women have joined Kim on his train – while sex slaves forcibly taken from universities await at his lair.
But this is no ordinary vacation. Rumours of Kim’s death were triggered when the fatty food-loving heavy drinker missed celebrations marking the founding of North Korea on April 15.
There were also suggestions that Kim Yo-jong would grab power.
Now experts warn her brother’s return could herald a spate of killings of members of the Pyongyang old-guard in order to reinforce his position.
In 2012 Kim ordered the murder of his 67-year-old uncle and several loyal officers, and imprisoned 200 officials for alleged treachery.
Professor Natasha Lindstaedt, an author and global expert on despot-led regimes said: “He’s always had this very vindictive pattern of showing his strength by killing people. It sends a clear message.
“The military has to keep him happy. The smallest thing is perceived as disloyalty. I think he may have sheltered from coronavirus and any fear of a coup plot would mean he’d come back with a vengeance.” Prof
Lindstaedt, Deputy Dean at the University of Essex, added that Kim’s sister is now in a highly “precarious position”.
A western security source echoed the risk of a Kim backlash, saying: “I believe we could expect a violent taking out of any perceived threat amongst Kim’s inner-circle.
“Any imagined slight against him would be regarded as dissent – and could result in a public execution or being sent to a jail camp.
“Inevitably, this will end in bloodshed and more threats.”
Kim has jailed thousands of innocent civilians in his brutal work camps during his eight-year rule of horror, killing many in street executions and public murders
One 26-year-old female defector – an insider from the Kim regime – told the Mirror she saw 11 musicians being blasted with anti-aircraft guns and their remains crushed by tanks.
And Kim’s uncle, Jang Song-thaek, is rumoured to have been stripped naked along with five aides and fed to 120 starving dogs.
Little is known about Kim’s wife, Ri Sol-ju, 35, – but she was recently elevated in title to “respected first lady”. It is believed Kim may have as many as three children.
He could be back with a vengeance.. killing does send a clear message
NATASHA LINDSTAEDT
DESPOT REGIMES EXPERT