The North Korean Son Rises

The answer to that question is that he is the apparent heir to his father, Kim Jong-il, current leader/dictator of North Korea. Here is what we do know. He is the youngest of 3 children at 25, and he studied at the International School of Berne until 1998 under the name Pak Chol, where he learned to speak English, German and French. Beyond that, little is known because little is known about much of what goes on in North Korea.

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Because his father had a stroke last year and is in questionable health, this young, relative unknown could become the leader of this country that is in the midst of taking on the world with nuclear tests and missile tests. It would have to be assumed that Kim Jong-un shares the ideology of his father, and that he would cater to the military as well as a means to consolidating and holding on to power. Is he as sane as his father? Less sane? More sane? And to what degree? The answers to these and many other questions will help to dictate the safety of the world going forward, at least as it concerns this one source of trouble. Michael Haltman is the President of Exeter Commercial LLC, a direct commercial mortgage lender, broker and trainer in business since 1990. He provides analysis and commentary regarding the goings on in Washington, the financial markets and the World at large. He writes from a largely conservative perspective, but enjoys hearing from readers no matter their political affiliation with any thoughts, ideas or comments that they have on most any topic. Michael can be reached at: haltman@easycommercial.com

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