Will North Korea's Kim Jong-un put on his big boy pants.

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Will Kim Jong-un put on his Big Boy Pants?

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uploaded by Barry ORegan

Western countries speculating on what's the plan if North Korea collapses, now that their demised leader Kim Jong iLs successor and youngest son Kim Jung-un seems to running the show at the tender age of 27.

Offers of dialogue with North Korea officials by the United States, most likely would include much needed food aid.  Currently China supplies most of what North Korea needs, though perhaps sparingly.  If the West is offering what China may not have to deliver in abundance, that would be unsettling news to China if interlopers infringe on their North Korean turf. The adage, "One does not bite the hand that feeds you", could result in a "Unless the other country hands out better stuff". 

Kim Jung-un was certainly exposed to vast amounts of Western culture since his father was known to relish in it, though secretly from the masses.  Speaking as a parent, and as most parents know, kids, especially sons doted on by their uber rich parents are denied nothing.  With the Asian cultural this is the norm, rich or poor, the son is number 1. One can safely assume Kim was no different in his father's eyes.

Those close to Kim may know this and would feed his ego, hence his status as Supreme Commander, and a 4 star general to boot. Did Kim earn this title? We all know in the real world, unlikely!  Certainly more than a few military feathers were ruffled with the old military guard, seasoned veterans who see an undeserving wet behind the ears youngster who through acclamation is now making the rules.

Communism aside, what experienced 45 year old plus military general or senior government mandarin in the West would not raise the roof to high heaven if this happened to them? They would friggin lose it!  People are no different, no matter where they hail from. The only exception being North Koreans have to keep it bottled up inside or off with their heads.

It would be safe to say these same senior people will be guiding Kim in his everyday decisions, with a little bit of their own financial agenda thrown in as "pain and suffering in silence" compensation. 

What would the consequences be if a true dialogue resulted between the West and North Korea, resulting in a more democratic North Korea ending dictatorship and communism within a decade?  It has and is currently happening in the world today with  communism and authouritarian rule on the wane. Kim knows the world is changing, with overthrown dictators and civil unrest happening more frequently day to day.   Kim has to realise what is happening on the outside world, and if restrictions were relaxed, a more democratic approach resulted, it could go a long way for North Koreans and  show leadership.

If a more democratic North Korea resulted, would a manufacturing bonanza be on the horizon for Western countries looking to outsource really, really cheap labour in getting manufactured goods made in North Korea? 

North Koreans, with mass starvation still a recent memory would be more than eager to get some money in their pocket and food on the table whatever the cost.  It was not that long ago, China and India were in the same boat with mass starvation, with China adopting their one child policy to stem the population tide.  Outsourcing to their respective countries was one way out of their economic mess, resulting in their prosperity today. I am sure that fact does not go unnoticed with Kim.

China certainly knows the ramifications of a dialogue, if it resulted trade and manufacturing with the West and North Korea. While only speculation, it is a real possibility.  China and India are constantly competing with each other by undercutting their labour costs to Western Manufacturers in order to remain in business. 

If North Korea entered this lucrative competition, could see a economic superpower shift towards North Korea within a decade or two?  If so, China would not be too keen to change the current status quo, if the unravelling of North Korea results in a decline or shift in China's financial interests. China,  unlike the West are not a country who wish to share the wealth with anyone.

It has been reported the young Supreme Commander is smart, apparently university educated earning two degrees. 

Kim could go ahead with a dialogue with the West, who knows, maybe a dialogue could help his people economically by getting into the manufacturing game and introduce democracy. A better alternative than building bombs and maintaining and outfitting a million plus army, with little money to support it.

Kim could be the start of a new beginning, getting his country to prosper, some democracy and feed his people.  Something his father and grandfather worked so hard to destroy.

I'm just sayin................Kim, time to put on the Big Boy Pants,make a difference, make your mark for the benefit of your people. As a parent that's my advice!