Podcast
Real Dictators
The book was highlighted by the hosts as a valuable source of insight into Kim Jong‑il’s personal life and the early history of North Korea. Both the journalist known as Supreme and author Mike Breen referenced it, noting its vivid comparison of Kim’s marriage to the famed Richard Burton–Elizabeth Taylor partnership and its broader context of Korean colonization and guerrilla origins. The discussion conveyed strong endorsement of its depth and relevance for understanding the regime.
Episode: Kim Jong-il Part 2: Time to Make a Movie…
Supreme, a journalist and author, described Kim Jong-il and his wife as the "Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor of Korea." The book likely details their relationship and Kim Jong-il's role in shaping North Korea.
Supreme is a journalist and author of Kim Jong-il, North Korea's dear leader. They were seen as sort of Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor of Korea.
Episode: Kim Jong-il Part 1: Birth of North Korea
Mike Breen, a journalist and author of this book, discussed the Japanese colonization of Korea in 1910 and the communist-fueled independence movement, highlighting Kim Il-sung's role as a guerrilla fighter.
The Japanese took control of Korea in 1910. Very unusual for the colonial world, you normally colonize a distant, poor country. But they colonized their neighbor, their immediate neighbor. So they tried to turn Korea into a cousin of Japan, if you like.