NK Enhances Security for Kim Jong Un Due to Assassination Fears: SK Spy Agency

News Summary

South Korea's spy agency informed lawmakers on Tuesday that North Korea has increased security measures for Kim Jong Un out of concerns about a potential assassination plot.

During a parliamentary audit session, the National Intelligence Service (NIS) assessed that North Korea utilizes communications jamming vehicles and is working on implementing drone detection equipment to enhance security measures for Kim.

The NIS informed lawmakers that it perceives an increase in the status of Kim's daughter, Kim Ju Ae, based on her public appearances, such as being accompanied by Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of Kim Jong Un.

Commentary

The assessment of the NIS indicates the current vulnerability of the Kim regime. The heightened security measures around Kim Jong Un further indicate his concern regarding the military, as most assassination attempts are expected to originate from the armed military personnel.

As news about the deployment of North Korean troops to Russia spreads among North Korean citizens despite the regime's attempts to censor it, it will quickly boost dissatisfaction and grievances among the military personnel and their families. They will come to realize that their dictator has basically traded North Korean soldiers, many of whom are in their teens or twenties, for financial gain and military technology in order to maintain the regime's power.

With future reports of death and injury among North Korean soldiers in Russia reaching the country, it is likely that there will be a rise in assassination attempts on Kim Jong Un by his own military.

South Korea and the international community should prepare for a contingency in which Kim Jong Un suddenly loses his power and his regime collapses, which is now more likely than ever.