Is NK on its way to becomming a shogunate?

[LordKiran]

It seems to me that as the Kim dynasty progresses the power and control the lead dynast has become progressively weaker. Could it eventually become possible for the military to take direct control of the state apparatus while leaving the Kim dynasty around as a show piece to keep the people compliant? How likely is this to happen and can it happen within our lifetimes?

 

[J842P]

Is it? I was under the impression that Kim had consolidated the power even further...

 

[LordKiran]

Is it? I was under the impression that Kim had consolidated the power even further...

*Shrug* dunno, maybe. But compared to his father or grandfather? And what of his children? His children's children?

So what happens when a few ambitious and politically savvy military leaders wake up one day and say "Hold on, you're just a figure head. I have all the respect and the backing of my peers. So why do we need you -really-?" As is typical with dictatorships. Where NK differs is the deification of the ruling dynasty and its importance in NK society.

 

[J842P]

Is it? I was under the impression that Kim had consolidated the power even further...

*Shrug* dunno, maybe. But compared to his father or grandfather? And what of his children? His children's children?

So what happens when a few ambitious and politically savvy military leaders wake up one day and say "Hold on, you're just a figure head. I have all the respect and the backing of my peers. So why do we need you -really-?" As is typical with dictatorships. Where NK differs is the deification of the ruling dynasty and its importance in NK society.

I am unsuccessfully trying to find an article, but basically it stated that Kim came in with a precarious hold on power, due to many reasons, mostly because he wasn't being taken seriously due to his age (Korean culture puts a high premium on seniority). But that Kim had systematically consolidated power by killing off anyone who might oppose him, like his Uncle who was purportedly executed by being shot by an artillery gun at close range, and has recently had his older-brother assassinated. His older brother had fallen out of favor since he had embraced living outside the regime, and advocated for reform. Some real GOT shit.