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How a shy boy from North Korea became the world's scariest dictator*

*right now

FOR THE PAST 50 years, the world has grown used to crazy threats from North Korea that don’t lead anywhere.

But with young and untested Kim Jong-un in charge of a nuclear arsenal, no one knows what will happen next.

This what we do know about him…

Kim Jong-un was born on 8 January in 1982 or 1983 or 1984

Image: DPRK propaganda via www.atimes.com

His parents were future North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il and his consort, Ko Young-hee.

He had an older brother named Kim Jong-chul and would later have a younger sister named Kim Yo-jong.

While Jong-un’s official birth year is 1982, various reports suggest that the year was changed for symbolic reasons, including that it was 100 years after the birth of Kim Il-sung and 70 years after the birth of Jong-il.

Jong-un (pictured here with his mother) lived at home as a child

Image: DPRK propaganda via www.atimes.com

During this period, North Korea was ruled by “Great Leader” Kim Il-sung. While Jong-il was the heir apparent, Jong-un’s path to command was far less certain.

Then it was off to Switzerland to attend boarding school

Called “Pak-un” and described as the son of an employee of the North Korean embassy, Jong-un is thought to have attended the English-language “International School” in Gümligen near Bern.

Jong-un is described by former classmates as a quiet student who spent most of his time at home, but he had a sense of humour too.

“He was funny,” former classmate Marco Imhof told The Mirror. “Always good for a laugh.”

“He had a sense of humour; got on well with everyone, even those pupils who came from countries that were enemies of North Korea,” another former classmate told the German newspaper Welt am Sonntag. “Politics was a taboo subject at school . . . we would argue about football, not politics.”

He loved basketball and idolised Michael Jordan

Image: AP Photo/Chuck Burton

The young Korean reportedly had posters of Jordan all over his wall during his Swiss school days.

Although Jong-un was overweight and only 5 foot 6, he was a decent basketball player.

“He was a fiercely competitive player, very explosive,” former classmate Nikola Kovacevic told The Mirror. ”He was the play maker. He made things happen.”

“He hated to lose. Winning was very important,” said former classmate Marco Imhof. He also had a “fantastic” collection of Nike sneakers.

He may have been a member of the “good” gang in a production of Grease

In a school production of the hit American musical Grease, young Kim enjoyed singing Summer Nights and You’re the One That I Want, according to photos from The Sun.

His role required slicked-back hair and a leather jacket as a member of the T-Birds, one of the “good gangs.”

There is a bit of controversy over this claim, as The Washington Post points out that the photos may actually be Jong-un’s brother instead.

After school in Switzerland, he returned home for military schooling

Upon his return to North Korea, Jong-un attended Kim Il-sung Military University with his older brother. Some reports say both started to attend their father’s military field inspections around 2007.

While his father faced death, Jong-un was rapidly promoted up the chain of political and military leadership, despite having little experience in either.

He was made a four-star general, deputy chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party, and a member of the Central Committee, according to the BBC.

Jong-un has a theme song known as Footsteps

“Footsteps” looks and sounds like propaganda songs from the Soviet Union. Calling the people to follow in “Our Admiral Kim’s footsteps,” here’s a sampling of the lyrics:

Footsteps, Footsteps … spreading out further the sound of a brilliant future ahead … tramp, tramp, tramp, ah, footsteps.

Many North Koreans see Jong-un as a youthful version of ‘Great Leader’ Kim Il-sung

Kim Il-sung, 1956 (Wikimedia Commons)

Kim bears a clear resemblance to his grandfather Kim Il-sung in appearance, haircut, and his mannerisms.

Rumours had circulated that Kim Jong-un had received plastic surgery to enhance the resemblance even further, although the North finally responded and called the allegations “sordid hackwork by rubbish media.”

“The false report … released by enemies is a hideous criminal act which the party, state, army and people can never tolerate,” said official Korean Central News Agency.

After his father died, he was quickly declared “supreme leader” of North Korea

Image: AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon

When Jong-il died of a heart attack on 17 December 2011, the young Jong-un inherited the world’s fourth-largest military, a nuclear arsenal, and absolute control over North Korea.

He took over ahead of his older brother Jong-chol, who their father thought was “effeminate” and weak. His other brother Jong-nam apparently said negative things about the regime, according to The Australian.

Around 30 years old, Jong-un is the youngest head of state in the world.

Some believe Kim’s aunt and uncle may actually be calling the shots

Among Kim’s most trusted advisers are his aunt Kim Kyong-Hui and her husband Jang Sung-Taek, both 66.

The couple was reportedly ordered by Jong-il to control the country’s military and help the young leader consolidate his position while he gains more experience.

At a recent meeting of the DPRK Workers’ Party, both were photographed sitting close by. Their most important job, it seems, is to push his role as a powerful figure among some generals who do not trust him, according to The Telegraph.

He’s married to a former cheerleader and may have two children

Image: KCNA via AP

Leaders in the Hermit Kingdom are often very secretive when it comes to their significant others, but Jong-un often has his wife join him and allows photographs.

North Korean media revealed in July he was married to Ri Sol-ju — a former cheerleader and singer — but no one knows exactly when they were married, according to NBC News.

South Korean intelligence believe the couple probably married in 2009 and already had one child. There are also rumours that Sol-ju gave birth to a child late last year, with many believing it was a girl.

Jong-un lived out a childhood fantasy when former Chicago Bulls star Dennis Rodman visited

Image courtesy of Vice

The entire family are apparently huge Bulls fans.

His father owned a video library of “practically every game Michael Jordan played for the Chicago Bulls.” Jong-il tried unsuccessfully to get Jordan to visit in 2001.

Jong-un had tons of Jordan posters as a kid. Brother Jong-chol was photographed as a child wearing a Bulls Jersey (#91 — Rodman).

But recently, things haven’t been going so well

Recently he was reportedly the target of an assassination attempt. South Korean intelligence believes the young leader was targeted by “disgruntled people inside the North” after he demoted a four-star general which resulted in a power struggle.

Perhaps as a means of reasserting control, Jong-un has become extremely belligerent, shutting down all links with South Korea and threatening thermonuclear war against his neighbour and the United States.

His father and grandfather used to make these threats all the time without following through.

At this point most analysts think Jong-un will follow through with a minor attack — something to back up his threats without setting off a horrifying war which North Korea would most likely lose.

- Paul Szoldra and Gus Lubin

North Korea declares ‘state of war’ with South>

Poll: Are you worried about a possible nuclear war in Korea?>

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    Mute Elma Phudd
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:04 AM

    He may have two children, Kim Jong deux and Kim Jong trois.

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    Mute Luke
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:16 AM

    Haha Irish humour is the best humour.

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    Mute Peter Richardson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:18 AM

    @ Elma, I’m still laughing! Brilliant. Comment of the week.

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    Mute Eamonn
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:39 AM

    Bring in Jordan, shoot hoops not nukes!

    214
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    Mute mcgoo
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:18 AM

    You know, I bet a Chicago bulls t-shirt signed by Michael Jordan would sort all this sh1t out….

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:09 PM

    I too have posters of Jordan all over my bedroom wall….she’s a cracker!!

    19
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    Mute Robin Pickering
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:19 AM

    I hear the French have already surrendered. Just in case war does break out.

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    Mute Clodagh O'Donovan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:42 AM

    Cheese-eating surrender monkeys.

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 9:02 PM

    Lol! Brilliant!

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    Mute Dylan Kearns
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:54 AM

    Is footsteps on iTunes?

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    Mute anthony mcgowan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:35 AM

    Typo alert

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    Mute buyinitaly
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:03 AM

    kim jong un aka Fathead to his mates or if he lived in ballymun he also would be known as Pudda, Moon, Football head ,etc etc

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    Mute Leslie Alan Rock
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:24 AM

    You forget mallet head.

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    Mute buyinitaly
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:43 AM

    also ,Potatoe head, Puddin head, Bullet head and Balloon head should also be taken into consideration , its enough to make kim jong ill

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    Mute Stephen West
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    Apr 13th 2013, 1:22 PM

    Probably include Stumpy in there too

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    Mute Matt McNamara
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:35 AM

    What a nasty little piece of work he is !!!!

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    Mute Paul
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    Apr 13th 2013, 1:19 PM

    I wish to disassociate myself from that last post and offer my services as a figurehead ruler to our new North Korean overlords. All hail Lord Kim.

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    Mute Philip
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:02 AM

    “scariest dictator” – surely they meant George Bush

    53
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    Mute Eamonn Hammond
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:53 AM

    Jesus, look at the size of his head in the pic of him as a child! No wonder he grew up so pissed off =)

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    Mute Lee Jones
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    Apr 13th 2013, 8:18 PM

    its like an orange on a lollipop stick

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    Mute Rodger O Waters
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:08 AM

    I see they are following the Irish tradition of Son following Daddy into power

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    Mute Stephen
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:27 AM

    Like his Dad he had a ronery childhood

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    Mute John Aldridge
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:39 AM

    Headline “became”?

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    Mute Peter Richardson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:49 AM

    Calling Ireland, calling Ireland.

    Send Mr. Gilmore to me. I need a Minister for Propaganda. My last one was not able to tell really big lies.

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    Mute Declan Noonan
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    Apr 14th 2013, 4:12 AM

    Roibeard, how many North Koreans are locked up in gulag style camps with their families?

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    Mute Roibeard Mac An TSionnaigh
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:10 AM

    Compared to the actions of past and present american presidents he’s a teddy bear. Their hands are drenched in blood.
    Sure only last week NATO killed 10 children in an air strike. Hardly a whimper

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:14 AM

    Yeah Roibeard. Imagine what the world would be like without the US. Loads of lite Kims running around. The US aren’t perfect – but I’ll take them ahead of the alternatives any day.

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:37 AM

    Roibeard maybe you would prefer us all to be living in a Stalinist style workers paradise. And yes the Americans unintentionally killed 11civilians last week but I didn’t see you make any condemnation of the Taliban when they blew up a bus load of civilians last week or when they killed 45 civilians in a court house the week before.

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:59 AM

    Exactly Mick. Just looking at your man there. Western-educated, iPhones, iMac, Basketball, Grease, etc. And his population are banned from using/viewing such evilness. A despicable, evil, little troll.

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    Mute Colin Tyrrell
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:02 PM

    That air strike actually killed 11 kids.
    Those 11 kids were in a room with a Taliban target. Human Shields? Despicable.

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    Mute Bill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:10 PM

    Yes Roibeard am trying to count the number of countries North Korea has invaded in the past fifty years help me here I have came up with zero so far !

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    Mute Socrates
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:17 PM

    Yes bill because simply they can’t for list of reasons.

    If not for the usa we would be looking to supplys division of the irish branch of the cccp just to get toilet paper.

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    Mute Jim Flavin
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:19 PM

    @Eamon Bolger
    a world without US obviosuly would not have 1,000 military bases around the planet – how many has N Korea .
    we would not have had the slaugter of Vietnam , indonesia , Chile , Iraq , Afganistan etc etc .
    the aim of US is world domination – not fredom . A lsit of its wars
    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_wars_involving_the_United_States .
    Kim is just an excuse for US to get at China – and the only defence against USA is to have nukes .
    The US gets inhuman sanctions put on countries that it does not like . It has attacked 50+ countries since WW2 – and is no home of Democracy . Democracy woulf kill off the USA – but we are consatntlt fed US BS – and too many believe it . Now with PA and NDAA it is decending into Totalitarianism .

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:23 PM

    Bill instead of going back 50 years go back another 10. And then count how many times the North has launched attacks on the South.

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:29 PM

    Jim. Tell me this. How much money do those 1000 bases pump into those local economies? And how many of those wars and conflicts that you mentioned had the opposition gotten material and financial support and in some cases overt military support from the Soviet Union and China?

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 4:42 PM

    Jim – give me a break. Seriously. You wouldn’t have 1,000 military bases. You’d probably have a million. In a world populated by tinpot d!ck heads like Kim, Hugo, et al. I bet you wouldn’t be cheering him on from the sidelines then. Oh wait – you couldn’t. Fora like this would be prohibited.

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    Mute Jim Flavin
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    Apr 13th 2013, 5:11 PM

    @Mick jordan – those 1,000 bases pump death into other countries – that is a bottom of the barrel argument . If u look at list u will see how many china /Russia were involved in .
    Rememebr the USA invaded the USSR – no big deal . Imagine the proaganda – if the reverse was the case .
    @Eamon Bolger – u equate Kim with Cahvez – all u show is your ignorance . Kim may be ranting – but how much provation has he got from US – quite a lot /—————– Why ????.
    now Kerry says NK will not be allowed have Nukes – who the f##k is he to interfere in other countries – oh its Yankke Exceptionlaism at work – the same sh#t as Dum Diversas from Vatican nutters – and still going strong .
    If u want to Support US imperialism -ok – but I think u need to learn more about US – and maybe u will cahnge your minds . We have followed US economically with diastrous results – and we are their politicla lapdogs .
    As for Chavez – u could read this
    http://www.aljazeera.com/indepth/opinion/2013/04/201341184657946728.html

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 7:12 PM

    They “invaded” with less than 5000 troops in 1918 to rescue 40,000 Czech troops from the Red Army. What about China’s invasion of Tibet or Russia’s invasion of Georgia or Afghanistan.
    And speaking of invasions who invaded South Korea again? My wasn’t it North Korea!!! And Who has been attacking South Korea since 1953? Hmmm I think it has been North Korea again. And do tell, how have America being provoking North Korea? Holding Annual defensive exercises with South Korea? Something they have been doing for the past 20 years.

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 9:02 PM

    Jim, or is it Jin, all you’re missing from that post is Zionists. As I said, I’ll take them ahead of Chavez, Kin, and that pr!ck Ahmedinejad ANY DAY!

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    Mute Bill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:02 PM

    Mick Jordan m not talking about bar room brawl can you tell me how many countries North Korea has actually invaded in its history just asking as you seem to be the expert on the area

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:23 PM

    It invaded South Korea in 1950. A simple history check will tell you that.

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    Mute Jim Flavin
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    Apr 14th 2013, 12:58 PM

    @Mick Jordan – yes there were those invasions – but compared to the USA 50+ since WW2 – there have not been that many .
    proking N Korea – the ever bigger military exercises – and the dummy bombing raid – plus the factt that it wiped out 33 % of N Koreas population in Korean war .
    No – am no great fan of N Kore – - or USA – but the one sided reporting that makes USA seem a democracy – which it is not . It is a warmongering nation – but has great PR / Propagnada .
    @Eamon bolegr – heck – did i miss out the zionests – if u knew anything about USA – u would know waht a big say the Zionests have in Foreign and domestic policy . No-one gets to WH without their approval .

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 14th 2013, 1:46 PM

    Jim – as I said already, the world
    would be a far darker – and less democratic place. Be careful what you wish for my friend.

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    Mute Sean Murphy
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:16 PM

    Matt Damon

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    Mute Dave
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    Apr 14th 2013, 3:06 PM

    I concur.

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    Mute Pablo
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:33 AM

    Looking at that pic of the military school he went to after his return from switzerland, bring on the invasion, pfnarr pfnarr, hubba hubba

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    Mute Peter Richardson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:41 AM

    Ahhhh, Mr Evil, I presume.

    The name is Austin Powers.

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    Mute Little Jim
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:10 AM

    You will address me by my proper title, you little bollix!!

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    Mute Peter Richardson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:16 AM

    @ Little, oops, sorry, Doctor Evil. Please do not kill me.

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    Mute Little Jim
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:37 PM

    You have insulted my grandmothers cat.
    A plague of bellicose rantings shall greatly bother your ancestors!

    17
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    Mute The Brass Rat
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:39 AM

    He looks like a looper that is under the influence of some serious meds in the picture where he is pointing the gun.

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    Mute Shane Hickey
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    Apr 13th 2013, 3:42 PM

    At Willie o’DEA..

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    Mute ptriley
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:24 PM

    Daniel O’Donnell wrote Footsteps especially for the Dear Leader

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    Mute Michael O'Reilly
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:22 PM

    Respect my authorit-ay! On a serious note quality anoraks on Kim Jong il and his missus

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    Mute Andrew Telford
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:39 AM

    Judging by the portrayals, photo manipulations and comments that have been knocking round Facebook very few, if any people are scared…

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    Mute Gis Bayertz
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:35 AM

    They don’t have a nuclear arsenal!

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    Mute wiselaw
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:56 AM

    Seemed a normal child until he returned to Korea

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:12 AM

    “Then it was off to Switzerland” while millions starved. For “scariest dictator” write cowardly despot. Like his predecessors.

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    Mute David Stephan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:44 AM

    Be careful people, we are all to able to criticise other nations on information dished out to us by the soo trusted media that surrounds us as the title above so well portrays. Hugo Chavez was also a so called “dictator” except to his people of course, but he was to the US and it’s allies who’s were
    Forced Fed Rubbish. Libya is another example, now Iran and north Korea….. Does it not trouble anyone that these countries were and are the OnLY countries left on earth that print their own currency AND where the Rothschilds and their cronies don’t have any banking power houses?!

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    Mute Eamonn Bolger
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:00 PM

    David – as I’ve said earlier. THE US are not perfect – far from it. But the world would be a far darker place without them. Lots of little Adolfs, Hugos and Kims calling the shots. Worth pondering my friend.

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    Mute Nicky Power
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:04 PM

    No, it worries people that he has nuclear was heads and is threatening to use them on a peaceful neighbour.

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    Mute Socrates
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:13 PM

    Well done david. Here wear this beautiful shinny tin foil hat. Its so you

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    Mute Fiona Hynes
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:46 PM

    @socrates Oh the tin foil joke? Gosh you are original.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 1:53 PM

    That’s not a scary dictator… This is what you call a scary dictator….( pulls out election poster of Enda)

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    Mute Socrates
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    Apr 13th 2013, 7:27 PM

    I am I put little gold stars on it they deflect the government brain wave generators.

    Would you like one too?

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    Mute Evelyn Heffernan Kelly
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    Apr 13th 2013, 7:54 PM

    Chavez did a serious amount of good for his country, especially the poor, he should not be put in the same category as Hitler and Kim.

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    Mute Fiona Hynes
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:47 PM

    @socrates Ouch. Stop, you’re killin’ me here with your razor-sharp wit.

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    Mute Sarah Murphy
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:16 PM

    If you want to read about what life for ordinary people in NK is like, go to the website of New Focus International – articles are written by North Korean defectors. The truth of the matter is, millions of people are dying there because they don’t have enough food. If you think that’s made up by the ‘soo trusted media’, then whose lies are you swallowing??

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    Mute Mick Jordan
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:03 PM

    Compare him has a child and the pictures of the starving North Korean kids last week and the picture of the child on yesterday’s. News dying of starvation on the side of the road while the army load a truck full of rice. So much for Socialism.”Everyone is equal. Just some are more equal than others”. I doubt looking at his picture while going up that he missed to many meals.
    Any tourists that do get into NK only get to see the capital and that is under strict supervision. But thats a false impression. Because only the Party faithful are permitted to live in the capital. And you will not see any starving people there either.

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    Mute Ted Carroll
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:19 AM

    He’s just pis*ed off with the Masters on and people talking about whether Rory or Tiger will win and his legendary father doesn’t get so much as a footnote in the sports pages! He’ll calm down when it’s over!

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    Mute mcgoo
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:12 AM

    Go home Kim your drunk. With paranoia.

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 3:00 PM

    Is North Korea and South Korea not a bit like Dublin?

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    Mute Peter Richardson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:45 AM

    Watch out! My name is an alter ego.

    I am seeking world domination and my team of killer robots are just leaving the assembly line.

    Send your leader Mr Kenny to me. If he kneels before me, I may spare your fabulously wealthy Celtic Tiger country where every citizen is a multi billionaire and where there is zero mortgage debt.

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    Mute Itiswhatitis
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:21 AM

    How is he scary he is just a nutbag.

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    Mute Shane King
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:35 AM

    Could they not get a assassin close enough to him to get rid of him,surely a south Korean could blend in amongst them.

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    Mute Dar Ryl
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:49 AM

    Too well fed looking!
    Drone attack would be best haha

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    Mute John O'Neill
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    Apr 13th 2013, 1:56 PM

    No, they’d spot him immediately…he’d be the one with the real gun…

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    Mute Stiofán De Priondárgas
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    Apr 13th 2013, 2:23 PM

    A bit ironic that the country that is the enemy is the home of his childhood hero Michael Jordan, and follows basketball … bit like that dude protesting over foreign games been played in croke park wearing a Celtic jersey.

    regarding North Korea having some nukes in the closet it is hard to tell but remember when Susan Boyle went on stage at first and we all laughed?? be afraid be very afraid!!! it aint over till the fat boy sings!

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    Mute Dave
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    Apr 13th 2013, 3:08 PM

    Or posing in a picture with a map of missile trajectories in the background, and an American Apple desktop in the foreground. Remember that?

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    Mute Dave Burke
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    Apr 13th 2013, 10:42 AM

    Dont believe the hype

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    Mute Dec Rowe
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    Apr 13th 2013, 12:02 PM

    He’s just a sheep in wolves clothing! :)

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    Mute Julian Dowling
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    Apr 13th 2013, 11:10 PM

    You all go mental on here when Thatcher dies, she supported Pinochet, Khmer Rouge, Nelsons Mandela viewed as a terrorist. So you hate her with a passion for SUPPORTING a regime. Yet this man is the head of a regime and there’s no where near the amount of comments, and most of the comments are making fun of the man. During the Irish troubles, more than twice the Irish population (10 MILLION) people died in Korea, but don’t worry your all far more concerned with the property tax, not a large scale, not to mention nuclear war in the pacific!

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    Mute Dave
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    Apr 14th 2013, 3:08 PM

    * you’re

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    Mute Dave
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    Apr 14th 2013, 3:09 PM

    So ronery…

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    Mute Helen O'neill-clayton
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    Apr 13th 2013, 8:41 PM

    Ha he’d be such an amazing Danny in grease! Hilarious!

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    Mute Sean Watson
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    Apr 13th 2013, 1:55 PM

    Korea is Korea….meanwhile in Ireland our own dictators & Co. screw our lil nation :(

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    Mute АЛЕКСАНДРЪ ХАИШ
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    Apr 13th 2013, 2:05 PM

    Exactly. And as Mr Chomsky recently said “Ireland should learn to look at itself first!”

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    Mute Shaun Mcdonnell
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    Apr 13th 2013, 5:09 PM

    We had a sick night bitches!!

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    Mute Derek Rusk
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    Apr 13th 2013, 8:28 PM

    Mad as a box of frogs.

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