Although initial reports had suggested that Kim Sung-Jong had died of a heart attack, subsequent reports have indicated that a large number of his most important political supporters have also died, thus suggesting a pattern of widespread assassination. Political prisons have broken open and dissidents seem to be well on their way to overthrowing the established government. The mood of the people of North Korea is said to be buoyantly optimistic, though fears that another dictatorship will rear its head run close under the surface… Though many leaders of other countries have expressed the opinion that they wish regime change could have been brought about by peaceful means, few are lamenting the overthrow of one of the most oppressive totalitarian governments in history. The abuses, deprivations, and outright tortures that the North Korean people have been subjected to are legendary… Of note, scientists Vaz and Tiona Gettnor, who the United States had claimed were kidnapped by North Korean agents, have been returned to their home.
