How will North Korea change under Kim Jong-un?

Updated Dec. 30: North Korea warned rival South Korea and the rest of the world Friday not to expect any change after Kim Jong-il's death, sending a clear message of continuity by also calling his son and heir "Great Leader" for the first time.

With the death of Kim Jong-il, the North Korean government urged its people Monday to "uphold the leadership" of his youngest son, although it didn't issue a formal statement of succession.

Kim Jong-un, son of the late North Korea leader Kim Jong-il, seen in this 2010 file photo, is expected to take power in the communist nation. (Vincent Yu/Associated Press/File)Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be 27 years old, was referred to as the "great successor" in the government dispatch. Kim Jong-il unveiled his third son as his successor a year ago, and little is known about him.

North Korea will hold a national mourning period until Dec. 29. A funeral for Kim Jong-il will be held on Dec. 28.

It's not clear now how North Korea will change under the leadership of the younger Kim.

Of immediate concern is the status of nuclear weapons talks aimed at exchanging food aid for North Korea's commitment to stop its uranium enrichment program. The U.S., China, Japan, Russia, South Korea were all involved in the talks, held most recently in Geneva.

In South Korea, people didn't appear to be much affected by the news. "It will have virtually no impact on the lives of the South Korean people," freelance journalist Jason Strother told CBC News. There may be some uncertainty, "but no one is rushing to buy tickets to leave the country."

What do you think the future holds for North Korea? Could the "hermit nation" open up under Kim Jong-un? Or will the isolation remain under Kim Jong-il's heir? Let us know what you think.



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