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Richard Cochrane is trained in chemistry and metallurgy but is far more interested and practiced as a political and fund raising consultant, writer and amateur historian. He grew up in a Navy family and with his two younger brothers carried on its 500+ year tradition of naval service to Great Britain and the USA then enjoyed a career with one of the largest advertising and public relations agencies working with numerous Fortune 500 companies and many of America's premier educational institutions. He maintains friendships and acquaintanceships around the world. He lives in Santa Barbara, California.

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North Korea’s Kim Jong-Il “Recovering” Says South’s Spy Chief

September 12th, 2008 • Richard Cochrane
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Kim Jong Il is said to favor his youngest son, Kim Jong-woong, 33 - who would reign as god-king with regent.

Kim Jong-Il, like his father, North Korea founder Kim Il Sung, is the object of an all-pervasive personality cult. But, unlike his father, however, he has not designated a chosen successor. Kim Jong-Il is reportedly ill and may have had a stroke or cerebral hemorrhage. South Korea’s spy chief, Kim Sung-ho, says North Korean leader Kim Jung Il is on the mend from an apparent stroke, and is recovering quickly.

At the age of 52 Kim Jong became president and chairman of the National Defense Commission with command and control of the armed forces in April 1993, culminating 22-years of preparation by his father, Kim Il Sung died on 08 July 1994.

Any organized succession process will almost certainly involve one of Kim Jong-il’s own sons. Kim Jong Il is said to favor his youngest son, Kim Jong-woong, 33 who was born around 1985 who might reign as a semi-divine god-king, but this reign would be at the sufferance of a regent, who would actually rule.

If he does recover it is more likely he will pay more attention to a successor. But, nothing is certain now including Kim Jong Il’s nor North Korea’s future except it will continue to be among the most secretive socieities.

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  1. Comment by Marshall Ivan Risidin on 12 September 2008:

    Richard,
    To those of us who have “looked over the shoulder” of Kim and his father, there is no surprise in a cerebral hemorrhage. He and his father, despite the hunger and anguish of their people, consume 90 year old Hennesey cognac—same as Churchill drank. The senior dictator guzzled at a rate of two and one half million dollars worth per year–includes the palace guard, general staff and consorts.The price has gone up as well as the consumption.The figures are directly from a three letter source [any three letters!].
    Marshall Risidin

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