The Party

The Norks are having themselves a little shindig, putting on the first party congress in 36 years. Ostensibly it's a big commie lovefest, but this reveals the real purpose:

On the final day of the event, it is expected to elect new members to the party central committee.

In other words, Kim Jong Chubby is looking to replace -- or at least dilute the influence of -- several members of the increasingly dissatisfied Central Committee. There have been warning signs coming out of North Korea for several years now: generals standing up to the committee; ordinary citizens openly complaining about government policy; an escalation in defections to China. What it boils down to is that the Red Teletubby is losing his grip on power. There's an old saying in business: the first generation creates it, the second generation grows it, the third generation destroys it. Don't be surprised if North Korea implodes before the end of the decade.

For a fascinating look behind the scenes in North Korea, watch this excellent Frontline documentary from 2014. There are interviews with Chinese smugglers, CIA analysts, and even private citizens of North Korea. Frontline can be hit-or-miss these days, but this episode is excellent.