Will North Korea come under the control of South Korea in 2009?

[saltwn]

This is a fun website where you can make predictions about almost anything. (You play with fake money too)

HUBDUB

Today a member sent me this question:
Will North Korea come under the control of South Korea in 2009?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's apparently serious illness has breathed new life into long-dormant plans from regional powers to prepare for when he loses his iron grip on power in the communist state. If Kim Jong-il's government suddenly collapsed, Seoul would try to establish an emergency headquarters in the North to rebuild its broken economy, Reuters reported here Peeks at ailing Kim reveal black hole on North Korea | International | Reuters . Possible scenarios in the event of his death are discussed here FACTBOX: Possible succession plans in North Korea | International | Reuters.

I voted yes and wagered a hundred dollars. It's only play money right?

[cnredd]

I'd have to know NK's structure in government...

If there are subordinates "willed" the power once Il goes, they won't decede power that easily...

[hussein]

I very much doubt it. North Korea has long proved itself to have an obdurate and intransigent regime; even with Kim Jong Il gone, I doubt much would change, although a new leader might bring in some liberalising reforms.

[faithful_servant]

Originally Posted by hussein

I very much doubt it. North Korea has long proved itself to have an obdurate and intransigent regime; even with Kim Jong Il gone, I doubt much would change, although a new leader might bring in some liberalising reforms.

I don't know. Kim's been the voice of unreason in NK for quite some time. It would take someone as "obdurate and intransigent" as him with the support of the military and the beauracrats to pull it off. I think that there's a real chance of re-unification when Kim dies.

[saltwn]

One such as I can only hope.