With the Chosun Workers’ Party Delegates’ Conference just a day away, the North Korean authorities are busy preparing several events including the hanging of commemorative banners and a military parade, which signs suggest may be the largest in the nation’s history.
However, according to sources from inside North Korea, there have still not been any decrees from Pyongyang demanding that they watch television or do anything else out of the ordinary, but a decree ordering workplaces and Party organizations to reinforce education related to the Conference and the Party’s founding day on October 10 has been handed down.
Sources report that the internal atmosphere in preparation for the Conference is calm, although a little tense. This runs against previous events related to the Party, which have tended to engender a more festive mood. One source said that the authorities have recently begun to allow people to talk about Kim Jong Eun, but still come down heavily on rumors which diminish his reputation.
Some sources have told The Daily NK that Kim Jong Eun has been selected as a delegate by the Korean People’s Army along with Kim Jong Il. This seems believable, since the military authorities have been carrying out idolization work for Kim Jong Eun for around three years.
Within cadre circles, the name Kim Jong Eun has been already publicized as the successor and an illustrated book featuring his photo is circulating officially. In this mood, there is certainly the possibility that Kim Jong Eun will be appointed to a core position in the Party, and then the succession may also be publicized.
However, it is not yet clear whether or not the North Korean authorities plan to release the fact domestically. Some South Korean officials and experts are working on the assumption that even if Kim Jong Eun does become the successor officially, the North authorities may choose not to publicize it.
However, if the authorities intend not to announce it, Kim Jong Eun will struggle to establish his reputation at home or abroad.
