North Korea: Threat or Blackmailer?

[That Guy]

the problem is internal politics. nk kept the upper class happy by putting them on the payroll, but the upper class got expanded way beyond what they could afford, so there had to be people cut out there, which isn't good when you're trying to keep everyone happy and under control, especially during a trasition of power.

the other problem is he's new on the throne, and there were a lot of generals etc with a lot of influence, so he has to play the strongman and prove that "you don't f#% with this." so in a way, he's playing to his base and trying to let everyone with any kind of power in nk know that they all need to stay in line.

whether he's actually a tyrant or just playing one on tv... that's a tough question to answer, but with all the posturing you can't assume or treat him like he's a rational actor.