„Kim Jong Il’s third son, Kim Jong Un, will receive an important post in order to build his credentials and pave the way for him to lead a third generation of family rule. Unlike Kim Jong Il at the time of his succession, Kim Jong Un will most likely not be given a position in the military. It would be a hard sell that the 28-year-old heir apparent would have the credentials to take on a post in the country’s top establishment.
It is surprising that Kim Jong Il waited until he had a stroke to start preparations for his succession (his father Kim Il Sung was in great health at 68 when he started the process). Did Kim Jong Il’s hubris put the family dynasty in jeopardy, or does he have someone else in mind for the post?