To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials



Analysis To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials Experts say leader can be lenient toward mistakes by those he trusts, but ruthless when they cross political red lines James Fretwell September 28, 2023 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON Image: Rodong Sinmun (Aug. 10, 2023) A top North Korean official who recently found himself the target of leader Kim Jong Un’s wrath emerged unscathed from a major meeting this week, despite the fact that it appeared he could be purged. The good fortune of DPRK premier Kim Tok Hun provided the latest evidence that Kim Jong Un, a ruler who presides over a sprawling network of political prison camps, can be magnanimous toward officials who slip up. A top North Korean official who recently found himself the target of leader Kim Jong Un’s wrath emerged unscathed from a major meeting this week, despite the fact that it appeared he could be purged. The good fortune of DPRK premier Kim Tok Hun provided the latest evidence that Kim Jong Un, a ruler who presides over a sprawling network of political prison camps, can be magnanimous toward officials who slip up. Become a member for less than $5.75 per week. Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts. Subscribe now All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time. © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Get the Daily Update Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by And how should we address you in correspondence? One more step! Please check your inbox, for an email we just sent you, and click on the confirmation message in it to get subscribed to our Daily News Update. Trending

Analysis

To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials

Experts say leader can be lenient toward mistakes by those he trusts, but ruthless when they cross political red lines

James Fretwell September 28, 2023

To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials

Image: Rodong Sinmun (Aug. 10, 2023)

A top North Korean official who recently found himself the target of leader Kim Jong Un’s wrath emerged unscathed from a major meeting this week, despite the fact that it appeared he could be purged.

The good fortune of DPRK premier Kim Tok Hun provided the latest evidence that Kim Jong Un, a ruler who presides over a sprawling network of political prison camps, can be magnanimous toward officials who slip up.

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To purge, or not to purge: Why Kim Jong Un forgives some North Korean officials

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James Fretwell

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