2. He was born in the camp of the Eighty-eighth Brigade, according to testimony by two Korean women and a Russian interpreter cited in an article by Kim Chan-jong in Seoul's He was born in the camp of the Eighty-eighth Brigade, according to testimony by two Korean women and a Russian interpreter cited in an article by Kim Chan-jong in Seoul's Dong-A Ilbo Dong-A Ilbo in September 1992 and cited in in September 1992 and cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il The True Story of Kim Jong Il (see chap. 3, n. 61). The birth is described as an extremely difficult one, the labor continuing through a night and Kim Jong-suk's life endangered until an unlicensed Russian veterinarian was brought in to a.s.sist. That account fits other information that Kim Jong-suk had suffered one miscarriage already and eventually died delivering a stillborn child. There is a timing question about the (see chap. 3, n. 61). The birth is described as an extremely difficult one, the labor continuing through a night and Kim Jong-suk's life endangered until an unlicensed Russian veterinarian was brought in to a.s.sist. That account fits other information that Kim Jong-suk had suffered one miscarriage already and eventually died delivering a stillborn child. There is a timing question about the Dong-A Ilbo Dong-A Ilbo account, however. Although Kim Il-sung had been in the USSR since 1940 or 1941, the Eighty-eighth Special Independent Sniper Brigade was only established in the latter part of 1942, according to Yu Song-chol's testimony carried in account, however. Although Kim Il-sung had been in the USSR since 1940 or 1941, the Eighty-eighth Special Independent Sniper Brigade was only established in the latter part of 1942, according to Yu Song-chol's testimony carried in Hankuk Ilbo. Hankuk Ilbo. In that case, if Kim Jong-il indeed was born on February 16, 1942, his birthplace would not necessarily have been the site of the Eighty-eighth's camp but could have been some other part of the Soviet Union where his parents were temporarily living. There are reports that Kim Il-sung, after being stopped at the border upon his entry into the USSR, was sent to work as a farmer for a time before the activation of the Eighty-eighth in August 1942. Seiler In that case, if Kim Jong-il indeed was born on February 16, 1942, his birthplace would not necessarily have been the site of the Eighty-eighth's camp but could have been some other part of the Soviet Union where his parents were temporarily living. There are reports that Kim Il-sung, after being stopped at the border upon his entry into the USSR, was sent to work as a farmer for a time before the activation of the Eighty-eighth in August 1942. Seiler (Kim Il-song 1941-1948 (Kim Il-song 1941-1948 [see chap. 2, n. 18], pp. 3132) cites a [see chap. 2, n. 18], pp. 3132) cites a Korea Herald Korea Herald interview with a Soviet Korean in suggesting that Kim may have "spent some time farming in the small Soviet village of Vyatka, some seventy kilometers northeast of Khabarovsk before moving on" to a camp at Okeanskaya, near Vladivostok, and then, from around May of 1942, to the camp where the Eighty-eighth was established. According to a Reuters dispatch from Beijing in interview with a Soviet Korean in suggesting that Kim may have "spent some time farming in the small Soviet village of Vyatka, some seventy kilometers northeast of Khabarovsk before moving on" to a camp at Okeanskaya, near Vladivostok, and then, from around May of 1942, to the camp where the Eighty-eighth was established. According to a Reuters dispatch from Beijing in Korea Times, Korea Times, July 30, 1994, a book by an official Chinese publishing house (book t.i.tle translates as July 30, 1994, a book by an official Chinese publishing house (book t.i.tle translates as The Situation in Each Country and Covering Asia, The Situation in Each Country and Covering Asia, the publishing company's name as World Knowledge Press) said in 1994 that Kim Jong-il's birthplace was faraway Samarkand, in what was then Soviet Central Asia. The spotty evidence uncovered so far undoubtedly makes it easier for Pyongyang to press its claim that the junior Kim was born in a log cabin in a secret guerrilla camp on .Mount Paektu. For an argument in favor of the regime's version see Lee Wha Rang, note to "Nurturing the Root of the Revolution: How Kim Jong Il Became the Heir," a chapter in Lee's translation of Kim Il-sung's memoirs, the publishing company's name as World Knowledge Press) said in 1994 that Kim Jong-il's birthplace was faraway Samarkand, in what was then Soviet Central Asia. The spotty evidence uncovered so far undoubtedly makes it easier for Pyongyang to press its claim that the junior Kim was born in a log cabin in a secret guerrilla camp on .Mount Paektu. For an argument in favor of the regime's version see Lee Wha Rang, note to "Nurturing the Root of the Revolution: How Kim Jong Il Became the Heir," a chapter in Lee's translation of Kim Il-sung's memoirs, With the Century, on Korea Web Weekly, With the Century, on Korea Web Weekly, http://www.kimsoft.com/ war/r-23-9.htm. Further complicating the question of where he was born are persistent claims that Kim Jong-il actually was born February 16, 1941, and that his year of birth was changed when he was chosen as heir so that his major birthdays would be celebrated in the same years as those of his father. See Sohn Kw.a.n.g Ju, "Focus a.n.a.lysis Kim Jong Il" (Seoul: Network for North Korean Democracy and Human Rights, 2003, http://www.nknet.org/en/keys/lastkeys/ 2003/12/04.php). Sohn says Kim Jong-il was born in Khabarovsk in the USSR. Sohn says the birth date was changed in 1982 so that father and son could celebrate their seventieth and fortieth birthdays in the same year. Celebration of Kim Jong-il's fortieth birthday had already been announced in February 1941, Sohn says, but it was not yet the huge holiday it was to become from 1982 and it was possible to announce a second fortieth birthday in 1982 without totally confounding the citizenry. As for why Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-sook would have been in Khabarovsk then, he says in his memoirs that he partic.i.p.ated in a Comintern-organized conference that was held there from December 1940 to mid-March 1941 (Kim, http://www.kimsoft.com/ war/r-23-9.htm. Further complicating the question of where he was born are persistent claims that Kim Jong-il actually was born February 16, 1941, and that his year of birth was changed when he was chosen as heir so that his major birthdays would be celebrated in the same years as those of his father. See Sohn Kw.a.n.g Ju, "Focus a.n.a.lysis Kim Jong Il" (Seoul: Network for North Korean Democracy and Human Rights, 2003, http://www.nknet.org/en/keys/lastkeys/ 2003/12/04.php). Sohn says Kim Jong-il was born in Khabarovsk in the USSR. Sohn says the birth date was changed in 1982 so that father and son could celebrate their seventieth and fortieth birthdays in the same year. Celebration of Kim Jong-il's fortieth birthday had already been announced in February 1941, Sohn says, but it was not yet the huge holiday it was to become from 1982 and it was possible to announce a second fortieth birthday in 1982 without totally confounding the citizenry. As for why Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-sook would have been in Khabarovsk then, he says in his memoirs that he partic.i.p.ated in a Comintern-organized conference that was held there from December 1940 to mid-March 1941 (Kim, With the Century, With the Century, Lee Wha Rang translation, chap. 23.1, http://www.kimsoft.com/war/r-23-1.htm). Lee Wha Rang translation, chap. 23.1, http://www.kimsoft.com/war/r-23-1.htm).

3. Testimony of Li Jae-dok, Kim Jong-il's former nurse, in Testimony of Li Jae-dok, Kim Jong-il's former nurse, in JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, October 4, 1991, cited in October 4, 1991, cited in True Story of Kim Jong-il, True Story of Kim Jong-il, p. 11. p. 11.

4. Choe Pyong-gil, "Yu Song-chol's Testimony," Choe Pyong-gil, "Yu Song-chol's Testimony," Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 4, 1990, translated in Seiler, November 4, 1990, translated in Seiler, Kim Il-Song 19411948. Kim Il-Song 19411948.

5. True Story of Kim Jong-il, True Story of Kim Jong-il, p. 28. p. 28.

6. Yu Song-chol's testimony, Yu Song-chol's testimony, Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 8, 1990. According to one account, Han by then had become estranged from her non-communist second husband. She explained to Kim that she had not come forward earlier to reveal to him her whereabouts and new ident.i.ty because of her shame at having submitted disgracefully to the j.a.panese authorities' demands. Kim thereupon pulled from his pocket a foot cover that she had woven of strands of her own hair to protect him from frostbite. He said he carried it always and had never forgotten her for a moment (Lim Un, November 8, 1990. According to one account, Han by then had become estranged from her non-communist second husband. She explained to Kim that she had not come forward earlier to reveal to him her whereabouts and new ident.i.ty because of her shame at having submitted disgracefully to the j.a.panese authorities' demands. Kim thereupon pulled from his pocket a foot cover that she had woven of strands of her own hair to protect him from frostbite. He said he carried it always and had never forgotten her for a moment (Lim Un, Founding of a Dynasty Founding of a Dynasty [see chap. 2, n. 59], pp. 4850). Han Song-hui is not recognized in North Korea as Kim Il-sung's wife. Although Lim a.s.serts that Han was indeed his "wedded wife," one defector (who asked for anonymity when discussing the Kims' personal lives) told me his understanding was that the two had been engaged but never formally married. [see chap. 2, n. 59], pp. 4850). Han Song-hui is not recognized in North Korea as Kim Il-sung's wife. Although Lim a.s.serts that Han was indeed his "wedded wife," one defector (who asked for anonymity when discussing the Kims' personal lives) told me his understanding was that the two had been engaged but never formally married.

Intriguing to note are strong similarities between her story and the story of Han Yong-ae, the female Harbin comrade of the early 1930s whose picture Kim said he still gazed upon. Possibly the Han Yong-ae story, whether or not important details are fictionalized, is told partly in an attempt to suggest that the story of Han Song-hui is wrong in important details-got the wrong Miss Han, perhaps-and particularly to refute widespread gossip in Pyongyang's elite circles to the effect that Kim resumed relations with his first wife and set her up in a mansion despite her remarriage to another man.

Consider: Kim Il-sung says that Han Yong-ae, while carrying out his a.s.signments, "was arrested by the police in the autumn of 1930"-a decade before the reported arrest of Kim Hye-suk/Han Song-hui. In prison, Han Yong-ae (unlike Han Song-hui) bravely refused to submit, Kim writes. She declined a chance to better her lot by cooperating with a j.a.panese scheme to persuade Kim Il-sung to submit to the authorities. (In evaluating this claim, it is useful to recall that Kim Il-sung in 1930 was only eighteen years old and a small fish, years away from making such an impression on the j.a.panese that they would mount "submission" campaigns against him personally.) After her prison term, she eventually went to Seoul, married "belatedly" and "buried herself in her family life," Kim says.

"I inquired after Han Yong-ae s whereabouts in the homeland after liberation," Kim writes, "but she was not in the northern half of the country." During the Korean War, when North Korea briefly controlled much of South Korea, she took charge of a women's organization in the Seoul area, where her husband had been active in the underground work of the Korean Workers' (communist) Party, he says. The husband was "murdered by the enemy during the retreat in the Korean war." After that, Han Yong-ae "came to Pyongyang with her children to see me. But she could not meet me and, on the night of the 14th of August 1951, she and her two children were tragically killed in an enemy bombing raid."

True or false, this story of a woman so devoted to Kim and the revolution that she would never never submit fits the pattern of North Korean propaganda heroes and heroines far better than would the story of Han Song-hui and the human weakness reported to have led her to abandon both her husband-Kim Il-sung- and the revolution. "Revolutionaries, even on a solitary island, should, like Han Yong-ae, not lose faith or abandon their conscience," Kim Il-sung writes. submit fits the pattern of North Korean propaganda heroes and heroines far better than would the story of Han Song-hui and the human weakness reported to have led her to abandon both her husband-Kim Il-sung- and the revolution. "Revolutionaries, even on a solitary island, should, like Han Yong-ae, not lose faith or abandon their conscience," Kim Il-sung writes.

The account in his memoirs, implicitly denying the reports that Kim had been married to another before Kim Jong-suk, may have been seen in Pyongyang as helping to clear up any doubts about the pedigree of Kim Jong-suk's son, Kim Jong-il, as Kim Il-sung's eldest legitimate child. Besides, for public consumption it simply would not do to tell of a woman who had been married to the incomparable Sun of the Nation but then went off to take up with some ordinary farmer.

7. M My source for the location of Han's secret mansion is a former member of the elite who also confirmed other aspects of her story: "It's true that Kim Il-sung located her in Kangwon-do after Liberation and took her to Pyongyang as head of the Democratic Women's Party, then put her into a secret mansion to hide her away. ... She had children by Kim Il-sung, but I can't remember the names." source for the location of Han's secret mansion is a former member of the elite who also confirmed other aspects of her story: "It's true that Kim Il-sung located her in Kangwon-do after Liberation and took her to Pyongyang as head of the Democratic Women's Party, then put her into a secret mansion to hide her away. ... She had children by Kim Il-sung, but I can't remember the names."

8. Yu Song-chol's testimony, Yu Song-chol's testimony, Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 8, 1990. November 8, 1990.

9. Lim Un, Lim Un, Founding of a Dynasty, Founding of a Dynasty, p. 49. p. 49.

10. See Yu Song-chol's testimony, See Yu Song-chol's testimony, Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 8, 1990; and Lim Un, November 8, 1990; and Lim Un, Founding of a Dynasty. Founding of a Dynasty. The story is told that Kim Jong-suk died literally on account of her jealousy of the secretary, Kim Song-ae. Suffering a stillbirth, Jong-suk began bleeding profusely. But she refused medical attention while waiting to see whether her husband would come to show his concern for her. A doctor could have saved her, but she refused to open her door. Kim Il-sung did not arrive, and she died in the room of excessive bleeding on September 22, 1949, only thirty-two years old. This is from the testimony of Kang Myong-do, compiled in a series of articles by Tae Won-ki in The story is told that Kim Jong-suk died literally on account of her jealousy of the secretary, Kim Song-ae. Suffering a stillbirth, Jong-suk began bleeding profusely. But she refused medical attention while waiting to see whether her husband would come to show his concern for her. A doctor could have saved her, but she refused to open her door. Kim Il-sung did not arrive, and she died in the room of excessive bleeding on September 22, 1949, only thirty-two years old. This is from the testimony of Kang Myong-do, compiled in a series of articles by Tae Won-ki in JoongAng Ilbo JoongAng Ilbo (Central Daily News, Seoul), April 1995. According to a 1993 South Korean report, rumors at the time of Kim Jong-suk's death were that that she had shot herself to death, or had been poisoned, "but the official announcement was that she died of a heart attack" (see (Central Daily News, Seoul), April 1995. According to a 1993 South Korean report, rumors at the time of Kim Jong-suk's death were that that she had shot herself to death, or had been poisoned, "but the official announcement was that she died of a heart attack" (see The True Story of Kim Jong-il, The True Story of Kim Jong-il, p. 31). The information that the child was stillborn comes from the j.a.panese communist newspaper p. 31). The information that the child was stillborn comes from the j.a.panese communist newspaper Akahata, Akahata, September 28, 1949, as cited in Suh, September 28, 1949, as cited in Suh, Kim IlSung Kim IlSung (see chap. 2, n. 35), p. 51. (see chap. 2, n. 35), p. 51.

11. Yu Song-chol's testimony, Yu Song-chol's testimony, Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 8, 1990. November 8, 1990.

12. Baik II (see chap. 4, n. 24), p. 44 Baik II (see chap. 4, n. 24), p. 447.

13. The defector is Kim Jong-min, who told me his characterization was based on his having met Kim Il-sung many times for both official and non-official occasions. "As for personally drinking and talking with him, I've done that about fifteen times." He told me he had "a watch given by Kim Il-sung with my name inscribed on it." The defector is Kim Jong-min, who told me his characterization was based on his having met Kim Il-sung many times for both official and non-official occasions. "As for personally drinking and talking with him, I've done that about fifteen times." He told me he had "a watch given by Kim Il-sung with my name inscribed on it."

14. Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 7, 1990. November 7, 1990.

15. See, e.g., Deane, See, e.g., Deane, I Was a Captive I Was a Captive (see chap. 4, n. 49), p. 229. (see chap. 4, n. 49), p. 229.

16. Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, November 7, 1990. November 7, 1990.

17. This source insisted on remaining anonymous. He said he feared that those at the top of the regime, either before or after reunification, might find a way to avenge the ultimate betrayal: exposing the Kims' private lives. This source insisted on remaining anonymous. He said he feared that those at the top of the regime, either before or after reunification, might find a way to avenge the ultimate betrayal: exposing the Kims' private lives.

18. Yoo Sok-ryol, "The Rise of Kim Jong-il and the Heir-succession Problem," pt. I, Yoo Sok-ryol, "The Rise of Kim Jong-il and the Heir-succession Problem," pt. I, Vantage Point Vantage Point (November 1987): p. 7. (November 1987): p. 7.

19. Ibid., pp. 6, 7. Ibid., pp. 6, 7.

20. These identifications come from high-level defectors and also from Yoo, "Rise of Kim Jong-il," p. 7. There are some discrepancies among the various sources regarding the precise positions of several of these relatives, but the sources agree that all have been well placed in the regime. These identifications come from high-level defectors and also from Yoo, "Rise of Kim Jong-il," p. 7. There are some discrepancies among the various sources regarding the precise positions of several of these relatives, but the sources agree that all have been well placed in the regime.

21. University of Hawaii scholar Dae-Sook Suh, who visited Pyongyang in 1989 and spoke with several high-ranking officials, observed afterward that Kim's old partisan buddies had formerly exercised influence, but they had died off. "In North Korean politics today, it's mostly Kim Il-sung's relatives who are in charge," Suh said. University of Hawaii scholar Dae-Sook Suh, who visited Pyongyang in 1989 and spoke with several high-ranking officials, observed afterward that Kim's old partisan buddies had formerly exercised influence, but they had died off. "In North Korean politics today, it's mostly Kim Il-sung's relatives who are in charge," Suh said.

22. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (2) Problems of Human Rights (2) (see chap. 6, n. 104). (see chap. 6, n. 104).

23. Scalapino and Lee, Scalapino and Lee, Communism in Korea Communism in Korea (see chap. 2, n. 28), p. 663. (see chap. 2, n. 28), p. 663.

24. Cited in Scalapino and Lee, Cited in Scalapino and Lee, Communism in Korea, Communism in Korea, p. 439. p. 439.

25. Kim Ik-hyon, Kim Ik-hyon, The Immortal Woman Revolutionary The Immortal Woman Revolutionary (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1987), p. 15. (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1987), p. 15.

26. The diplomat does not wish to be identified further. The diplomat does not wish to be identified further.

Consider Byoung-Lo Philo Kim's discussion of Confucianist influence: "The values of .Marxism and Leninism in North Korea have brought about radical changes in the nature of society. Loyalty to one's family or lineage has been largely extended to loyalty to the nation as a whole, a shift from an extreme particularism to a limited universalism. Nationalism is expressed through the ideas of juche, juche, which stresses national and cultural self-reliance and independence. Yet the Five Relations of Confucian culture are well retained in communist North Korea. There is no concept of privacy, self-determination, or the rights of the individual. According to Confucianism, what makes people human is not their freedom or individuality, but their acceptance of social roles that integrate them into a preestabilished, collective whole, a notion coincident with the collective spirit of communism emphasized in North Korea. Family-based politics, the succession to rule of the leader's son, and the extraordinary veneration of Kim Il Sung are the Confucian legacies" (Kim, which stresses national and cultural self-reliance and independence. Yet the Five Relations of Confucian culture are well retained in communist North Korea. There is no concept of privacy, self-determination, or the rights of the individual. According to Confucianism, what makes people human is not their freedom or individuality, but their acceptance of social roles that integrate them into a preestabilished, collective whole, a notion coincident with the collective spirit of communism emphasized in North Korea. Family-based politics, the succession to rule of the leader's son, and the extraordinary veneration of Kim Il Sung are the Confucian legacies" (Kim, Two Koreas in Development Two Koreas in Development [see chap. 1, n. 2], pp. 179180). [see chap. 1, n. 2], pp. 179180).

27. Kim, Kim, With the Century, With the Century, vol. 2, p. 183. vol. 2, p. 183.

28. Ibid. Ibid.

29. Ibid., pp. 381382. Ibid., pp. 381382.

30. Ibid., pp. 184, 193. Ibid., pp. 184, 193.

31. Since the late Yi Dynasty period, writes Charles K. Armstrong Since the late Yi Dynasty period, writes Charles K. Armstrong (The North Ko-eran Revolution (The North Ko-eran Revolution [see chap. 1, n. 8], p. 95), "discrimination against 'secondary sons' [see chap. 1, n. 8], p. 95), "discrimination against 'secondary sons' (soja), (soja), or the sons of upper-cla.s.s men and their mistresses, had been a social issue in Korea. The 1949 explanation of North Korean law pointed out that in the past, 'children born out of wedlock to concubines or or the sons of upper-cla.s.s men and their mistresses, had been a social issue in Korea. The 1949 explanation of North Korean law pointed out that in the past, 'children born out of wedlock to concubines or kisaeng kisaeng had suffered great discrimination as "secondary sons" had suffered great discrimination as "secondary sons" (soja) (soja) or "b.a.s.t.a.r.ds" or "b.a.s.t.a.r.ds" (sasaenga).' (sasaenga).' They were not even allowed to call their fathers They were not even allowed to call their fathers 'aboji 'aboji ('father') and were denied entrance to school. This discrimination had continued unabated during the j.a.panese colonial period. The DPRK const.i.tution eliminated such 'feudal' practices and guaranteed that henceforth such offspring would be treated no differently than legitimate sons' ('father') and were denied entrance to school. This discrimination had continued unabated during the j.a.panese colonial period. The DPRK const.i.tution eliminated such 'feudal' practices and guaranteed that henceforth such offspring would be treated no differently than legitimate sons' (chokcha)." (chokcha)."

32. "In 1956, at the Twentieth Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Khrushchev launched a formal denunciation of Stalin, challenging the supremacy and infallibility of Stalin as a leader. The de-Stalinization was undoubtedly a rude shock to Kim Il-sung. A second trauma occurred in the 1960s, when Mao signaled his wish to groom a political heir after his demise, thus putting the nation in a state of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. In September 1971, Mao's handpicked successor, .Marshal Lin Biao, revolted against him and allegedly was killed in a plane crash while seeking to defect to the Soviet Union. These incidents convinced Kim Il-sung that he should carefully prepare a smooth political transition" (Kong Dan Oh, "In 1956, at the Twentieth Congress of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Khrushchev launched a formal denunciation of Stalin, challenging the supremacy and infallibility of Stalin as a leader. The de-Stalinization was undoubtedly a rude shock to Kim Il-sung. A second trauma occurred in the 1960s, when Mao signaled his wish to groom a political heir after his demise, thus putting the nation in a state of heightened anxiety and uncertainty. In September 1971, Mao's handpicked successor, .Marshal Lin Biao, revolted against him and allegedly was killed in a plane crash while seeking to defect to the Soviet Union. These incidents convinced Kim Il-sung that he should carefully prepare a smooth political transition" (Kong Dan Oh, Leadership Change in North Korean Politics: The Succession to Kim Il Sung Leadership Change in North Korean Politics: The Succession to Kim Il Sung [Santa Monica, Calif: RAND Corporation, 1988]). [Santa Monica, Calif: RAND Corporation, 1988]).

33. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (2). Problems of Human Rights (2).

34. Ibid. Ibid.

35. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (1) Problems of Human Rights (1) (see chap. 2, n. 1). Hw.a.n.g does not address the question of whether Kim's modesty in those remarks had been merely feigned, as so often seems to be the case with some other self-deprecating portions of Kim's memoirs-an invitation to others to pile on more praise. (see chap. 2, n. 1). Hw.a.n.g does not address the question of whether Kim's modesty in those remarks had been merely feigned, as so often seems to be the case with some other self-deprecating portions of Kim's memoirs-an invitation to others to pile on more praise.

36. "Kim YJ Makes 1st Appearance in 18 Yrs.," Yonhap News Agency dispatch in "Kim YJ Makes 1st Appearance in 18 Yrs.," Yonhap News Agency dispatch in Korea Times, Korea Times, July 28, 1994; Kong Dan Oh, July 28, 1994; Kong Dan Oh, Leadership Change, Leadership Change, p. 8. p. 8.

37. Kim, Kim, With the Century, With the Century, vol. 2, p. 435. vol. 2, p. 435.

38. Choe Pyong-gil, "Following the Conclusion of the Serialization Yu Song-chol's Testimony, " Choe Pyong-gil, "Following the Conclusion of the Serialization Yu Song-chol's Testimony, " Hankuk Ilbo, Hankuk Ilbo, December 1, 1990 (Sydney A. Seiler translation). December 1, 1990 (Sydney A. Seiler translation).

39. "The Soviet communities "The Soviet communities 'were 'were a replica of how the Stalinist high officials lived in the USSR, as a privileged elite, separated from the rest of society" (van Ree, a replica of how the Stalinist high officials lived in the USSR, as a privileged elite, separated from the rest of society" (van Ree, Socialism in One Zone Socialism in One Zone [see chap. 4, n. 1], p. 165). [see chap. 4, n. 1], p. 165).

40. "I never saw anyone in North Korea as fat as his eldest daughter," he added. "One of her legs is fatter than my whole body. She's well proportioned [but] unfortunately she insisted on wearing a miniskirt. In North Korea, miniskirts were prohibited to the general population. Only members of Kim Il-sung's family could wear them. It's like a privilege for family members to wear them. That heavy daughter of Kim Yong-ju insisted on wearing a miniskirt." "I never saw anyone in North Korea as fat as his eldest daughter," he added. "One of her legs is fatter than my whole body. She's well proportioned [but] unfortunately she insisted on wearing a miniskirt. In North Korea, miniskirts were prohibited to the general population. Only members of Kim Il-sung's family could wear them. It's like a privilege for family members to wear them. That heavy daughter of Kim Yong-ju insisted on wearing a miniskirt."

41. As cited in As cited in Leadership Change Leadership Change by Oh (who maintained the dictionary change indicated not just hereditary succession but the choice of Kim Jong-il). South Korean scholar O Tae-chin also noted the dictionary change in "Three Personalities Rising as North Korea's Next Generation of Leaders," by Oh (who maintained the dictionary change indicated not just hereditary succession but the choice of Kim Jong-il). South Korean scholar O Tae-chin also noted the dictionary change in "Three Personalities Rising as North Korea's Next Generation of Leaders," Chugan Choson, Chugan Choson, January 3, 1990, p. January 3, 1990, p. 66. 66.

42. Cho, Cho, "Interview "Interview of Former High-level Official" (see chap. 6, n. 88). of Former High-level Official" (see chap. 6, n. 88).

43. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il: The People's Leader, Kim Jong Il: The People's Leader, vol. 2 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1985), p. 52. vol. 2 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House, 1985), p. 52.

44. This information comes from Chang Ki-hong, who had been working in a timber camp in Russia when he defected in 1991. This information comes from Chang Ki-hong, who had been working in a timber camp in Russia when he defected in 1991.

45. "Centered around the Ponghwa Medical Clinic, the entirety of the Red Cross Hospital is a research center. Actual practice is done entirely at the Red Cross Hospital under the guidance of the Ponghwa Medical Clinic. Those who are the same age or older than Kim Il-sung, or have the same blood type or physical condition, regardless of whether they are healthy or sick, are subjects of practice. However, no physiological damage is inflicted upon them. Instead, long-term observation of how these patients react to dietary conditions or medication is conducted" (Kim Jong-min quoted in Cho, "Interview of Former High-level Official"). "In Pyongyang there is a large Longevity Inst.i.tute dedicated to researching ways to prolong the Great Leader's life, and any foods discovered to ensure longevity are procured from the world over. All living conditions necessary to guarantee Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il's longevity are meticulously taken care of, right down to the tiniest detail, and maintained at the highest standards possible" (Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, "Centered around the Ponghwa Medical Clinic, the entirety of the Red Cross Hospital is a research center. Actual practice is done entirely at the Red Cross Hospital under the guidance of the Ponghwa Medical Clinic. Those who are the same age or older than Kim Il-sung, or have the same blood type or physical condition, regardless of whether they are healthy or sick, are subjects of practice. However, no physiological damage is inflicted upon them. Instead, long-term observation of how these patients react to dietary conditions or medication is conducted" (Kim Jong-min quoted in Cho, "Interview of Former High-level Official"). "In Pyongyang there is a large Longevity Inst.i.tute dedicated to researching ways to prolong the Great Leader's life, and any foods discovered to ensure longevity are procured from the world over. All living conditions necessary to guarantee Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il's longevity are meticulously taken care of, right down to the tiniest detail, and maintained at the highest standards possible" (Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights [2]). Problems of Human Rights [2]).

46. Wen-ko T'ung-hsun Wen-ko T'ung-hsun (Gw.a.n.gjou), February 15, 1968, translated and cited in Scalapino and Lee, (Gw.a.n.gjou), February 15, 1968, translated and cited in Scalapino and Lee, Communism in Korea, Communism in Korea, p. 641. p. 641.

47. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (2). Problems of Human Rights (2).

48. Wolgan Choson Wolgan Choson (July 1991). (July 1991).

Here is a description of the main presidential mansion in Pyongyang: "The elder Kim lives opulently just minutes by car from the center of Pyongyang in a palace circled by a moat and reached by a sweeping driveway decorated with playing fountains. Pheasants and red-crested cranes wander freely over expanses of manicured lawns. Last month the elder Kim threw a party for delegates to an Inter-Parliamentary Union conference, a party for 1,200 people held in a hall the size of two full-sized soccer pitches in a marble-lined rotunda next to his own elegant, square residence. At least 20 waiters served each table. The gla.s.ses 'were 'were crystal, the cutlery silver and the napkins linen. From a table at the back of the vast dining hall, Kim appeared as a black speck on the edge of a small white disc of table cloth" (Andrew Browne, Reuters dispatch from Pyongyang: "The Great Leader Is an Enigma Even to His Own People," crystal, the cutlery silver and the napkins linen. From a table at the back of the vast dining hall, Kim appeared as a black speck on the edge of a small white disc of table cloth" (Andrew Browne, Reuters dispatch from Pyongyang: "The Great Leader Is an Enigma Even to His Own People," Daily Yomiuri Daily Yomiuri [Tokyo], June 3, 1991). [Tokyo], June 3, 1991).

49. Kim, Kim, With the Century, With the Century, vol. 3, p. 350. vol. 3, p. 350.

50. Wen-ko T'ung-hsun Wen-ko T'ung-hsun (Gw.a.n.gjou), February 15, 1968, translated and cited in Scalapino and Lee, (Gw.a.n.gjou), February 15, 1968, translated and cited in Scalapino and Lee, Communism in Korea, Communism in Korea, p. 641. p. 641.

51. Interview with Kim Jong-min, former president of Daeyong Trading Company and earlier a brigadier generallevel officer in the Ministry of Public Security (police). Interview with Kim Jong-min, former president of Daeyong Trading Company and earlier a brigadier generallevel officer in the Ministry of Public Security (police).

52. Wolgan Choson Wolgan Choson (July 1991). (July 1991).

53. Interview with Kim Young-song. He said this mansion is near Kyongsong. Interview with Kim Young-song. He said this mansion is near Kyongsong.

54. Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il "like to receive beautiful women as gifts," he said. "Those who give women are party special department people in charge of that aspect, or bodyguards. They scout the girls and give them as presents." I asked how the women could be considered gifts if finding them was part of the giver's job. My source replied: "The girls who are discovered accidentally can be considered gifts." Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il "like to receive beautiful women as gifts," he said. "Those who give women are party special department people in charge of that aspect, or bodyguards. They scout the girls and give them as presents." I asked how the women could be considered gifts if finding them was part of the giver's job. My source replied: "The girls who are discovered accidentally can be considered gifts."

55. Kim in his later years, my source told me, was "still capable of performing in bed, but the methods of arousal are such that I don't want to talk about them in front of your interpreter. They melt 200-year-old beehives to get a wax supposed to enhance his prowess." Kim in his later years, my source told me, was "still capable of performing in bed, but the methods of arousal are such that I don't want to talk about them in front of your interpreter. They melt 200-year-old beehives to get a wax supposed to enhance his prowess."

56. For Mao's physician see Dr. Li Zhisui, For Mao's physician see Dr. Li Zhisui, Private Life of Chairman Mao Private Life of Chairman Mao (see chap. 6, n. (see chap. 6, n. 64). 64). Regarding embellishment, Bruce c.u.mings writes of "a bevy of female servants on the old [Korean] royal model; chosen from among 'the pretty and healthy virgins' from elite families, they Regarding embellishment, Bruce c.u.mings writes of "a bevy of female servants on the old [Korean] royal model; chosen from among 'the pretty and healthy virgins' from elite families, they 'were 'were recruited to serve the king. The ways in which they served him remain in dispute; they recruited to serve the king. The ways in which they served him remain in dispute; they 'were 'were not a harem or even his concubines, although liaisons certainly happened. The main idea, though, was to make the king's life comfortable. Defectors often say Kim and his son continued this tradition, but they of course embellish this practice with endless allegations of frolicking and womanizing." Unlike some other, similarly dismissive scholars, c.u.mings at least attempts to marshal evidence that the accounts are wrong. Citing a book by the niece of Kim's de facto first wife, c.u.m-ings says that Kim Jong-il "is not the playboy womanizer ... of our press. ... He is so discreet about his private life that Nam Ok can only relate rumors about the foreign women imported to sate his s.e.xual appet.i.tes; she never saw any of them, and after reading her account one doubts that Jong Il has much of a libido" not a harem or even his concubines, although liaisons certainly happened. The main idea, though, was to make the king's life comfortable. Defectors often say Kim and his son continued this tradition, but they of course embellish this practice with endless allegations of frolicking and womanizing." Unlike some other, similarly dismissive scholars, c.u.mings at least attempts to marshal evidence that the accounts are wrong. Citing a book by the niece of Kim's de facto first wife, c.u.m-ings says that Kim Jong-il "is not the playboy womanizer ... of our press. ... He is so discreet about his private life that Nam Ok can only relate rumors about the foreign women imported to sate his s.e.xual appet.i.tes; she never saw any of them, and after reading her account one doubts that Jong Il has much of a libido" (North Korea: Another Country (North Korea: Another Country [see chap. 4, n. 25], p. 165166). [see chap. 4, n. 25], p. 165166).

I must say I don't see the testimony by Li Nam-ok-herself a defector who ran away to Europe-as particularly useful on the subject of Kim Jong-il's libido. For a time living as a relative in one of Kim's households, Li would not have had anything comparable to the window on his life outside that particular household that was available to bodyguards and male cronies, not to mention the female recruits themselves. And it must be noted that Li's brother, also a defector, was murdered in South Korea by men identified as North Korean a.s.sa.s.sins after he had gone public with his account of palace life (see chap. 32). In her cautious account, Li clearly attempted to avoid inviting a similar fate.

57. Kim, Kim, With the Century, With the Century, vol. 3, p. 282. Kim also wrote, "Today an epidemic of hedonism is cutting a wide swath across the rest of the globe. The extreme egoism of caring only for oneself and not thinking about the younger generation has encroached very far upon the minds of many people. Some of them do not have children, alleging that they are a nuisance, and others give up the thought of marrying. Needless to say, it is a matter of personal choice whether one gets married or has children. But what pleasure is there in living without the younger generation?" vol. 3, p. 282. Kim also wrote, "Today an epidemic of hedonism is cutting a wide swath across the rest of the globe. The extreme egoism of caring only for oneself and not thinking about the younger generation has encroached very far upon the minds of many people. Some of them do not have children, alleging that they are a nuisance, and others give up the thought of marrying. Needless to say, it is a matter of personal choice whether one gets married or has children. But what pleasure is there in living without the younger generation?"

58. Referring to Kim's practice during his guerrilla days of sleeping with children, Bruce c.u.mings offers an innocent explanation, calling it "an ancient Korean custom, still practiced" Referring to Kim's practice during his guerrilla days of sleeping with children, Bruce c.u.mings offers an innocent explanation, calling it "an ancient Korean custom, still practiced" (North Korea: Another Country, (North Korea: Another Country, p. 106). p. 106).

59. From an interview with a former official of the regime. From an interview with a former official of the regime.

60. I heard this from Kang Myong-do, who was sent to the same revolutionary work camp five years later. I heard this from Kang Myong-do, who was sent to the same revolutionary work camp five years later.

61. Oh Sang-ik, "Public Executions in the DPRK," Oh Sang-ik, "Public Executions in the DPRK," Wolgan Choson Wolgan Choson (January 1992): pp. 472491 (Sydney A. Seiler translation). Oh, a lawyer, writes that Asia Watch and the International Human Rights Commission revealed this case based on testimony by a defector who had been a State Security official in North Korea. (January 1992): pp. 472491 (Sydney A. Seiler translation). Oh, a lawyer, writes that Asia Watch and the International Human Rights Commission revealed this case based on testimony by a defector who had been a State Security official in North Korea.

62. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (2). Problems of Human Rights (2).

11. Yura.

1. Peter Hyun, "My Comrade Kim Il-sung Has Erred in Personality Cult and Power Succession," Peter Hyun, "My Comrade Kim Il-sung Has Erred in Personality Cult and Power Succession," Wolgan Choson Wolgan Choson (February 2002), trans. Lee Wha Rang as "Lee Min-the Unsung Heroine of the Korean Independence War, Part II: Prolog, (February 2002), trans. Lee Wha Rang as "Lee Min-the Unsung Heroine of the Korean Independence War, Part II: Prolog," Korea Web Weekly, http://www.kimsoft.com/war/leemin2.htm.

2. Testimony of Park Jae-dok in Testimony of Park Jae-dok in JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, October 4, 1991, cited in October 4, 1991, cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il The True Story of Kim Jong Il (see chap. 3, n. 61), p. 12. (see chap. 3, n. 61), p. 12.

3. Kazuko Kobayashi, "I Was a House Maid of Kim Il-sung," in Kazuko Kobayashi, "I Was a House Maid of Kim Il-sung," in Records of Returnees from Abroad Records of Returnees from Abroad (Tokyo: Mainichi Shimbunsha, no publication date given), pp. 119122, cited in (Tokyo: Mainichi Shimbunsha, no publication date given), pp. 119122, cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il. The True Story of Kim Jong Il.

4. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I (see chap. 10, n. 43), pp. 89. vol. I (see chap. 10, n. 43), pp. 89.

5. Testimony of one Mo, former a.s.sistant to Agriculture Minister Kim Il, who defected to South Korea in 1960, in Testimony of one Mo, former a.s.sistant to Agriculture Minister Kim Il, who defected to South Korea in 1960, in Jayu Kongron Jayu Kongron (April 1983): pp. 164166, cited in (April 1983): pp. 164166, cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il, The True Story of Kim Jong Il, pp. 3638. The author says that, once the facts of the drowning had been investigated and ascertained, Kim Il-sung "kept it a secret" and ordered gate guards, who had seen the boys playing in the pond but were not watching them carefully enough to prevent the drowning, not to talk about it. pp. 3638. The author says that, once the facts of the drowning had been investigated and ascertained, Kim Il-sung "kept it a secret" and ordered gate guards, who had seen the boys playing in the pond but were not watching them carefully enough to prevent the drowning, not to talk about it.

Bruce c.u.mings (North Korea (North Korea [see chap. 4, n. 25], p. 138) says Kim Il-sung "was so deeply distressed at the drowning of his younger son in 1947 that he had a [see chap. 4, n. 25], p. 138) says Kim Il-sung "was so deeply distressed at the drowning of his younger son in 1947 that he had a mudang mudang [shaman] [shaman] carry carry out rituals on the very spot a decade later; the 'captured doc.u.ments' in the U.S. archives contain long scrolls written by Buddhist monks, trying to a.s.suage his loss and pain." out rituals on the very spot a decade later; the 'captured doc.u.ments' in the U.S. archives contain long scrolls written by Buddhist monks, trying to a.s.suage his loss and pain."

6. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 4951. vol. I, pp. 4951.

7. Lee Young-hwa, Lee Young-hwa, Rescue the North Korean People, Rescue the North Korean People, leaflet, Osaka 1995, quotes scuttleb.u.t.t in Pyongyang as saying Ms. Kim raised the boy "as if he were her own child." Kang Myong-do, a defector to the South who claimed to be a Kim Il-sung relative on the maternal side, named Kang Bo-bi as the first cousin. See Kang Myong-do's testimony, compiled by Tae Won-ki, in a twelve-part series in the Seoul daily leaflet, Osaka 1995, quotes scuttleb.u.t.t in Pyongyang as saying Ms. Kim raised the boy "as if he were her own child." Kang Myong-do, a defector to the South who claimed to be a Kim Il-sung relative on the maternal side, named Kang Bo-bi as the first cousin. See Kang Myong-do's testimony, compiled by Tae Won-ki, in a twelve-part series in the Seoul daily JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, starting April 12, 1995. For the Ri Ul-sol story see Kim Il-sung, "Nurturing the Root of the Revolution: How Kim Jong-il Became the Heir," chapter of starting April 12, 1995. For the Ri Ul-sol story see Kim Il-sung, "Nurturing the Root of the Revolution: How Kim Jong-il Became the Heir," chapter of With the Century, With the Century, trans. Lee Wha Rang, trans. Lee Wha Rang, Korea Web Weekly, Korea Web Weekly, http://www.kimsoft.com/war/r-23-9.htm. Lee Wha Rang in notes to this translation supports the view that it was Kim Ok-sun who raised Kim Jong-il. http://www.kimsoft.com/war/r-23-9.htm. Lee Wha Rang in notes to this translation supports the view that it was Kim Ok-sun who raised Kim Jong-il.

8. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 6265. vol. I, pp. 6265.

9. Ibid., pp. 6768. Ibid., pp. 6768.

10. Ibid., pp. 6970. Ibid., pp. 6970.

11. The True Story of Kim Jong Il, The True Story of Kim Jong Il, p. 49. p. 49.

12. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 77117. The memo is quoted on pp. 8586. vol. I, pp. 77117. The memo is quoted on pp. 8586.

13. Ibid., p. 118. Ibid., p. 118.

14. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Problems of Human Rights (2) Problems of Human Rights (2) (see chap. 6, n. 104). (see chap. 6, n. 104).

15. Kang Myong-do testimony in Kang Myong-do testimony in JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, April 12, 1995. Choe In Su, April 12, 1995. Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 1617, observes, "Busy with state affairs, the father leader could find no special time for the education of his son [Kim Jong-il]; his daily life was in itself the process of bringing up and guiding his son in a revolutionary vol. I, pp. 1617, observes, "Busy with state affairs, the father leader could find no special time for the education of his son [Kim Jong-il]; his daily life was in itself the process of bringing up and guiding his son in a revolutionary 'way." 'way."

16. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 168177. vol. I, pp. 168177.

17. Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Hw.a.n.g Jang-yop, Testimonies of North Korean Defectors: True Picture of North Korea According to a Former Workers' Party Secretary Testimonies of North Korean Defectors: True Picture of North Korea According to a Former Workers' Party Secretary (see chap. 7, n. 15). (see chap. 7, n. 15).

18. See, e.g., Choe In Su, See, e.g., Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, p. 203. vol. I, p. 203.

19. Tak Jin, Kim Gang Il and Pak Hong Je, Tak Jin, Kim Gang Il and Pak Hong Je, Great Leader Kim Jong Il, Great Leader Kim Jong Il, vol. I (see chap. 5, n. 15), p. 22. A former high official who knew him told me that according to his recollection Kim Jong-il also enrolled for a second time at Mangyong-dae School after leaving Namsan. vol. I (see chap. 5, n. 15), p. 22. A former high official who knew him told me that according to his recollection Kim Jong-il also enrolled for a second time at Mangyong-dae School after leaving Namsan.

20. Yun Ki-bon, Yun Ki-bon, The Land of North Korea in My Memory The Land of North Korea in My Memory (Seoul: Kapja Munhwasa, 1973), cited in (Seoul: Kapja Munhwasa, 1973), cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il, The True Story of Kim Jong Il, pp. 4958. pp. 4958.

21. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 249250. vol. I, pp. 249250.

22. JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, January 14 and 28, 1993, quoting Kang Yong-gu, former superintendent of Namsan Junior High School, and Kim Dan, a cla.s.smate of Kim Jong-il's among others who had known him at Namsan and later moved to Russia, cited in January 14 and 28, 1993, quoting Kang Yong-gu, former superintendent of Namsan Junior High School, and Kim Dan, a cla.s.smate of Kim Jong-il's among others who had known him at Namsan and later moved to Russia, cited in The True Story of Kim Jong Il, The True Story of Kim Jong Il, pp. 5960. pp. 5960.

23. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 129, 134135. vol. I, pp. 129, 134135.

24. Ibid., pp. 141147; Tak, Kim and Pak, Ibid., pp. 141147; Tak, Kim and Pak, Great Leader Kim Jong Il, Great Leader Kim Jong Il, pp. 3839. pp. 3839.

25. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. vol. I, pp. 7 7476.

26. Ibid., pp. 178181. Ibid., pp. 178181.

27. Kang Myong-do testimony in Kang Myong-do testimony in JoongAng Ilbo, JoongAng Ilbo, April 12, 1995. April 12, 1995.

28. Choe In Su, Choe In Su, Kim Jong Il, Kim Jong Il, vol. I, pp. 184187. vol. I, pp. 184187.

29. Ibid., pp. 190195. Ibid., pp. 190195.