If you thought things were dangerous in the world before, now a disgruntled Los Angeles Lakers fan may have his finger on the red button that controls all of North Korea’s nukes.
On Sunday evening, news broke that longtime North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had died at age 69. According to the weeping state news broadcaster that announced his passing, the reigning most powerful man in North Korea since 1994 and star of Team America: World Police died as a result of "overwork" after "dedicating his life to the people." Furthermore, the state-run news agency also disclosed that the infamous Dear Leader had died of "great mental and physical strain" while in a train during a "field guidance tour.”
Don't worry, nobody else knows what that really means either.
An official, legitimate cause of death is unknown at this time.
In September of 2010 Kim announced that he was to be succeeded by his foreign-educated third son, Kim Jong-un. Very little is known about the heir apparent as of this point with even his age being questioned by multiple outlets. However, one of the few things that is known about the next assumed leader of North Korea is that he’s a Los Angeles Lakers fan.
As per The Chosunilbo (via Rant):
Those who knew "Pak Un," the name he used at the Swiss school, say he was indifferent to political issues and never made any anti-American comments. He worshipped basketball players in the NBA. A friend who visited his apartment at #10, Kirchstrasse, Liebefeld, recalls that Kim had a room filled with NBA-memorabilia.
"He proudly showed off photographs of himself standing with Toni Kukoc of the Chicago Bulls and Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers. It is unclear where the pictures were taken. On at least one occasion, a car from the North Korean Embassy drove Pak Un to Paris to watch an NBA exhibition game," the daily said.
Kim also had a collection of Nike sneakers. "We only dreamed about having such shoes. He was wearing them," recalled Kovacevic, who estimated the price of each pair at around US$200.
The death of a dictator inevitably leads to a lot of confusion and turmoil. Kim Jong-il ruled with an iron fist, and it remains to be seen whether his young son will swoop in with similar authority to claim his seemingly destined post.
If he does, though – here’s to hoping that the combination of David Stern’s ridiculous Chris Paul veto and the Lamar Odom trade doesn’t push the dictator-in-training over the edge.
(Kudos to The Chosunilbo, Rant, and @netw3rk for the great material)
Related Content
NBA Video: Timberwolves Rubio and Williams Connect for Impressive Dunk
Lakers Wanted Lamar Odom Gone All Along
Phil Jackson Foresaw the Chris Paul to Lakers Trade Failing