Eward Wong recently reported that with the death of Kim Jong-il the successor, his youngest son, may be facing difficulties with the opposing groups. It is argued, however, that the twenty some years of training that Kim Jong-Um received have prepared him to face these conflicts. Other factors, such as a nation in great need of food for its citizens make it near impossible for an uprise to occur.
North Korea has successfully retained its ruling regime by cutting themselves from the outside world, their primary ally being China. This including controlling the lives of its citizens to an extent which is imaginable in many other locations. It is feared that to prove his worth, particularly to opposing countries, Kim Jon-Um may be compelled to prove or demonstrate the military power that North Korea holds. This could pose a threat to its own people and neighboring countries. There is, however, very little fear of a colapse of the regime but gradual change is possible.
If the gradual change can allow peace within the peninsula it may allow for outside forces to bring the much needed food to the citizens of North Korea. While this is far fetched, to some degree, it is always possible for gradual change to a push a country to a healthier economy by supporting its citizens and generating trade with other countries.
There is more coverage on this at CNN.com and other news locations.
Articles from New York Times and CNN.com
North Korea: Should We Fear Change? -- Jaime A. FlorCruz and Peter Wilkinson
China Moves to Ensure Stability in North Korea -- Edward Wong
