Real Dictators cover image

Kim Jong-il Part 3: Nuclear Armed

Real Dictators

00:00

The Riang Song Residence in Pyongyang

Kim Jong-il lives within a fortified compound called the Riang Song residence on the Northern outskirts of Pyongyang. The walls are protected with iron rods and concrete covered with lead, just in case war with the South or with America breaks out again. Underground is Kim's private train station, complete with his own luxury train. As far as the facilities go, there's a shooting range, a horse racing track, a spa and a swimming pool. Even holed up in a house like this, Kim can't ignore forever the reality facing his people. Suppressing capitalism while trading on international black markets is hardly a recipe for prosperity.

Transcript
Play full episode

The AI-powered Podcast Player

Save insights by tapping your headphones, chat with episodes, discover the best highlights - and more!
App store bannerPlay store banner
Get the app