The unlikely resurgence of Kim Jong Un

Late Night Live - Separate stories podcast · May 4, 2026 · 21m

In 2020, North Korea was at a low point. Crippled by COVID border closures, its Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un tried and failed to negotiate sanctions relief. A tearful, apologetic speech at a military rally fuelled speculation that his leadership was in peril. But today, Kim is a resurgent figure, having fostered closer ties with Beijing and Moscow and seen off his internal rivals. With powerful neighbours and a developing nuclear arsenal, Kim appears willing to take more risks in the region.

Guest: Dr Jung H. Pak, historian and analyst, former officer with the CIA and the US State Department…