by Paul French
First published 2016
Paul French examines how Kim Jong-un transformed North Korea after taking power in 2012. The young leader became the global face of his isolated nation, inspiring both mockery and terror while consolidating control through systematic purges of rivals. French traces Kim's methodical construction of a personality cult that elevates both himself and his predecessors. The book centers on the historic Seventh Congress of the Korean Workers' Party, the first gathering in over three decades where Kim declared a new era under his rule. French dissects the regime's internal mechanics and the cult of The Great Leader that defines North Korean society. He provides the first comprehensive analysis of this pivotal congress and its meaning for the nation's future. The book reveals how Kim strengthened his hold on power and offers insights into where this secretive state may be heading.
Genres: biography, history, political-science, politics, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: political-intrigue, power-struggle
Setting: North Korea
Period: 2012-present
77 pages · Kindle Edition · Zed Books