N. Korea

Paranoia and Mystery: Peering Into North Korea

Yet another top North Korean official has met a violent and untimely death. Tragic accident? Political assassination? The world, or at least North Korea watchers, wants to know.

Especially since Kim Yang-gon was in charge of negotiations with South, where he was respected. Although the latest round of talks between the two Koreas broke off without result, there always will be another round. At worst, Kim could have been killed because of the discussions, either their failure or something else. At best, any future round will be delayed until he is replaced, and his successor may have less clout with ruler Kim Jong-un.