Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of North Korean’s current leader, is the apparent heir—and in light of North Korea’s recent militaristic attack on the Yeonpyeong Island of South Korea—South Korea may face additional acts of aggression.
Many media outlets, such as the Huffington Post, have concluded that North Korea’s military attack on Nov. 23, in which two South Korean marines were killed and 15 injured, may have been caused by Kim Jong Il’s wish to provide his son a reminder of what is expected of him.
Historically, the North Korea leader has repeatedly tested South Korea’s and the West’s patient with capricious actions—including sinking South Korea’s ship, the Cheonan, in March. The latest attack may be to pass on to the new heir how to conduct international relations, as Kim Jong-un was reportedly confirmed in his future leadership role when he attended the 65th anniversary celebration in October.
South Korea has since denounced the attack in Seoul, saying that "indisputable armed provocation against the Republic of Korea. Making matters worse, it even indiscriminately fired against civilians. Such actions will never be tolerated."