Inside North Korea: The Next Leader (2020)
This special investigates the sudden disappearance of Kim Jong Un in 2020 and the resulting global concerns over succession. Analysts examine the Kim dynasty’s cult of personality, tracing the line of power through three generations and speculating on who would inherit control, particularly assessing the rising profile of his influential sister, Kim Yo Jong.
Length: 0h44m
Genre: Documentary, Politics, Analysis
This Title is: Geopolitical Investigation
Cast
Alexander Salamat, Laura Anderson, Jean H. Lee, Victor Cha, Sue Mi Terry
Parental Guidance
Maturity Rating: TV-14 – Contains strong political themes and discussions of a totalitarian regime.
FAQ
- Is Inside North Korea: The Next Leader Based on a True Story?: Yes, this is a journalistic documentary special produced by National Geographic, investigating the real-world political dynamics and succession crisis surrounding the Kim dynasty in North Korea in 2020.
- Where was Inside North Korea: The Next Leader filmed?: The program uses archival footage from North Korea, combined with expert analysis filmed in television studios and locations across the United States and South Korea.
- Who Wrote the Soundtrack?: David Schweitzer
Filmmaker Profile
Director Laura Anderson crafts a focused, high-stakes political analysis. Her approach combines archival visuals with expert interviews to dissect the mechanics of dynastic power in one of the world’s most isolated nations, bringing immediacy to a critical geopolitical topic.
Why It’s Worth Watching
This special is a fascinating, rapid-fire breakdown of political volatility. It offers crucial context regarding the Kim family’s absolute rule and the international instability that hinges on a single leader’s health. Its tight construction and reliance on regional experts make it an essential, gripping resource for understanding the country’s unique power structure.
Main Character Deep Dive
The focus is less on a single protagonist and more on the political persona of Kim Yo Jong, whose swift ascension is analyzed. Experts scrutinize her public appearances and calculated political moves, demonstrating her calculated, ruthless capacity for leadership and revealing the strategic use of her family name to maintain control.
Unforgettable Quote
“The foundation of their power is not just military; it is the unquestioning faith in a single bloodline.”
Trivia
- The special was prompted by Kim Jong Un’s three-week public absence in April 2020, sparking widespread global health and succession rumors.
- It is considered a standalone episode or special update within National Geographic’s larger Inside North Korea’s Dynasty series.
- The primary potential successor examined is Kim Yo Jong, who, if successful, would be North Korea’s first female supreme leader.
Trailer
Stream Inside North Korea: The Next Leader on:
Our Review
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I was immediately engrossed by this exceptional piece of investigative reporting. The program succeeds spectacularly in taking a complex, secretive topic—the succession line of the world’s most powerful totalitarian regime—and making it accessible and utterly gripping. The use of swift pacing and expertly selected footage elevates the experience, pulling me directly into the high-stakes world of Pyongyang’s political elite. I particularly appreciated the depth of analysis provided by the geopolitical strategists featured; their insights are sharp, providing a clear picture of the power dynamics at play. The production quality is top-tier, exactly what I expect from this studio, balancing historical context with immediate, newsworthy events. It’s a rewarding look at the volatile nature of hereditary dictatorship, and I found the exploration of Kim Yo Jong’s growing influence truly masterful. This is a must-see for anyone interested in global security.
Who Should Watch This?
Stream it if you seek a succinct, expert-led investigation into the volatile leadership structure of North Korea and the rising prominence of the Kim dynasty’s next generation.
