Since its creation in the 1940s, North Korea has had a string of oppressive dictators who have used fear and force to retain their power. After his ascent to power in 2011, the current Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un has revealed his cruel, dictatorial actions and demeanor. Two years later, Kim Jong Un had his uncle arrested and executed. Since then, Kim Jong Un has been discharging and executing high government officials and others in his inner circle.

According to CNN, public support for the dictator has decreased from 70% to 58% of the population in the past few years. These numbers may serve as a hope that the North Korean population will be able to see the true characteristics of their leader and the power he holds over them. Until then, North Korea’s upper-class society may help to rally for support against the dictator and help to weaken his power. Kim Jong Un’s actions, especially his recent ones of dismissing and executing many high government officials, has caused much resentment and distrust of the leader among the elite. The criticism towards Kim Jong Un is increasing, a big step towards the dictator’s downfall, as a few years ago any word against him was inconceivable.
In addition to North Korea’s mistrust towards Kim Jong Un, his own actions recently have exposed his worry over his security as leader of North Korea.

“He’s in a desperate bid for power,” said junior Alexis Albrecht. “He has too many people against him and he’s also probably paranoid by this point.”

The recent murder of Kim Jong Un’s half-brother has been linked to the dictator. According to North Korea expert Gordan Chang, the dictator’s link to the assassination reveals how Kim Jong Un is in a desperate situation and that his actions “can bring him unintended consequences.”

“He’s executing so many people because he’s trying to assert his authority and people are challenging his power,” said history teacher Mrs. Ashley Braun.

All of these facts may show signs of the totalitarian government’s collapse or, at the least, its waning power.