Several strong men in close contact with Kim Jong-Un… The surprising reason why Kim Jong-Un “strengthened his personal security”. | FRIDAY DIGITAL

Several strong men in close contact with Kim Jong-Un… The surprising reason why Kim Jong-Un “strengthened his personal security”.

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The “National Old Soldiers’ Convention” held in July. A smiling Jong-un (center) is watched closely by a man who appears to be his security guard (Image: Kyodo News)

Four to five strong, well-built men stand around Jong-un, all of them with sharp eyes. All of them have sharp eyes. They were on high alert, tense and on the lookout to prevent any suspicious persons from approaching.

Recently, the vicinity of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un has been very tense. Whenever he goes outdoors, he is closely guarded by several bodyguards in suits.

At the National Old Veterans Convention for veterans held at the end of July, four to five men, believed to be security personnel, were escorting Jong-un around. When Jong-un shook hands with veterans, they blocked other participants from approaching. Korean Central Television also showed the head of security, Kim Chol-gyu, the head of the Security Bureau. He was probably directing the bodyguards.

Security guards have been assigned to Jong-un on the international stage before, such as at the inter-Korean summit in Panmunjom and his meeting with former U.S. President Trump. However, it is highly unusual for a security guard to be posted at a domestic event. Jong-un has always appealed to the Korean people by appearing friendly and open with them.

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Indeed, Jong-un acted almost entirely alone, whether at military parades or on factory tours in rural areas. He also casually took commemorative photos with event participants and residents. Why did he suddenly strengthen his personal security? Shinichi Hen, editor-in-chief of Korea Report and an expert on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, explains.

Shinichi Hen, editor-in-chief of Korea Report and an expert on the situation on the Korean Peninsula, explains: “The shooting of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in July probably had an impact. The thinly veiled security measures must have shocked the nation into thinking that a former head of state had been murdered. It is not surprising that Jong-un would feel threatened.”

The ever-changing international situation also seems to have played a role in the background. Mr. Hen continues.

South Korean President Yun Seok-yeol, who took office in May, is a major factor. President Yun has clearly declared North Korea to be his ‘main enemy. He wants to absorb and unify North Korea. If North Korea were to be absorbed into South Korea, there are two possible scenarios: First, North Korea would collapse from within, but Jong-un’s dictatorship would be able to maintain its position. The first is that North Korea would collapse from within, but Jong-un’s dictatorship is strong and this is unlikely.

The second is to resort to military force. U.S. and South Korean troops would invade North Korea and assassinate Jong-un before he presses the nuclear button. It is a beheading operation. In fact, assassination squads have twice conducted large-scale drills in the United States since the Yun administration came to power. The increased security measures are probably a sign of Jong-un’s wariness of these U.S.-South Korean moves.”

The threat from the U.S. and South Korea seems to have transformed the dictatorial leader’s surroundings.

  • Photo: Kyodo News Kyodo News

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