3/5 North Korea

Dialog>> Kim Jong-eun took over.

A: How are things in North Korea after kim Jong-il’s death?
B: Well, his son Kim Jong-eun took over.
A: Isn’t it still in his twenties?
B: He is. A lot of people think he’s too young to lead the country.
A: I would imagine so.
B: It’s still uncertain how things will turn out in North Korea.


RESPONSE>> Talk about Kim Jong-il’s death and the  power transfer to his son Kim Jong-eun.

North Korea leader Kim Jong-il died on December 12th, 2011.

His health had been failing after he suffered a stroke in 2008.
ex> Her health was failing for a while before she died.
ex> I heard his father suffered a stroke.

It was a heart attack that finally took his life in the end.

News of his death was released on December 19th creating a media frenzy all cross the world.
* media frenzy: 언론의 대대적인 관심
* be released: 발표하다, 나오다
ex> Reports were released even before the facts were confirmed.
ex> Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie created a media frenzy in Hollywood.

Everyone was speculating what would happen next in North Korea.
* speculate: 추측하다
ex> People have been speculating, but nobody knows for sure.


Kim Jong-il’s third son, Kim Jong-eun was the successor.

He was appointed as the heir apparent back in 2010.

Ever since Kim Jong-il’s death, efforts have been made in North Korea to establish Kim Jong-eun as a legitimate leader.
* legitimate leader: 정통성 있는 지도자, 합법적인 지도자
ex> Do you see her as a legitimate leader?


However, many experts express concern about his young age and lack of experience.
ex> She expressed concern about her son’s falling grades.
ex> I’ll make up for my lack of experience with hard work.


@ The total adds up to $50.
총 50달러 입니다.

1.    His health is failing rapidly.
2.    The media didn’t release his name.
3.    Her new song created a media frenzy.
4.    The president expressed concern over the high unemployment rate.