Foremost in Mr. Kim's mind is ensuring that his son, Mr. Kim Jong Un, succeeds him as leader. To do that, he needs to make sure that the economy, hampered by energy shortages, as well as by decrepit infrastructure and equipment, gets back on track. The year 2012 is especially important as it marks the 100th birthday of Mr. Kim's father, Kim Il Sung, who, despite his death in 1994, remains president for life and the symbol of the regime's legitimacy. Next year supposedly marks North Korea's emergence as a "strong and prosperous nation," raising the stakes for the regime as it aims to consolidate support for the "Young General."
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