Inside North Korea’s Theocracy : The Rise and Sudden Fall of Jang Song-thaek

Offers biographical accounts of several of North Korea''s leaders to illuminate the inner workings of its government.

First published in Korean in 2016, Inside North Korea''s Theocracy offers a fascinating and rare look at the lives of several of the regime''s key leaders. Its primary focus is Jang Song-thaek, a talented and reform-minded member of the political ruling class who was executed in 2013. Jang was the son-in-law of North Korean founder, Kim Il-sung; brother-in-law of its second leader, Kim Jong-il; and uncle to its current leader, Kim Jong-un. The author traces Jang''s life from his youth as a brilliant student in Pyongyang to his eventual marriage to Kim Kyong-hui and his rising power as a businessman to, ultimately, his untimely death. In addition to biographical sketches of Jang, his wife, and brother-in-law, Ra Jong-yil provides first-hand impressions of life in North Korea and illuminates the inner workings of its government.