Kim Jong-il

May 9, 2014

Dear Leader: From inside the North Korean elite

By Alex Glynn North Korea’s former poet laureate gave the Frontline Club a rare opportunity to hear about life inside one of the world’s most secretive and intriguing nations, in a discussion about the reality of its present and possibility of its future. Defector Jang Jin-sung was joined by Asia expert and commentator, Peter French, […]


Thursday 8 May 2014, 7:00 PM

Dear Leader: Inside North Korea

Jang Jin-sung, a poet laureate for North Korea, led a privileged life unaware of the suffering of his fellow countrymen. It was only following a visit to his home town, where he witnessed suffering, starvation and unimaginable poverty, that he began to question the system in which he lived. What followed is an extraordinary story of awakening, terror and escape. Jang Jin-sung will be joining us to share his story and give us an insight in to the circles of power and privilege in North Korea.


December 14, 2012

South Korean elections, Mario Monti press conference and Julian Assange statement feature in the penultimate week of 2012

By Jasper Wenban-Smith, international editor of ForesightNews. A round up of world news in the week ahead from journalist resource ForesightNews. Monday 17 December Monday marks two years since Mohamed Bouazizi’s self-immolation, an act of protest that that inspired millions to challenge the status quo across the Middle East. Two years on, despite regime change in […]


February 10, 2012

ForesightNews world briefing: upcoming events 13- 19 February

A weekly round up of world events from Monday, 13 February to Sunday, 19 February from Foresight News By Nicole Hunt Pakistani Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani has been ordered to appear before the Supreme Court again on Monday, this time to be indicted on charges of contempt of court over what prosecutors say is […]


February 8, 2012

The DNA of culture: Jeremy Hunter in conversation with Paddy O’Connell

By Natricia Duncan     The Frontline Club was treated to an explosion of colour, culture, festivity and debate as photojournalist Jeremy Hunter explored the “DNA of countries” through pictures. Hunter described how he began travelling as part of his job as a foreign correspondent for NIR-TV in Tehran.  Although not employed as a photographer […]


January 5, 2012

ForesightNews world briefing: upcoming events 9 – 15 January

A weekly round up of world events from Monday, 9 to Sunday, 15 January from ForesightNews   By Nicole Hunt   Monday looks to be the biggest day of what should be an interesting week internationally. Kicking off with the ongoing EU debt crisis, German Chancellor Angela Merkel hosts French President Nicolas Sarkozy in Berlin to […]


October 6, 2010 7:00 PM

First Wednesday: The looming power shift in North Korea and the nuclear threat beyond

View in iTunes Little is known about Kim Jong-il’s youngest son Kim Jong Un but his promotion to North Korea’s powerful defence commission is being interpreted as a clear sign that he is being groomed to be his father’s heir. If Kim Jong-il is paving the way for a handover of power to a third […]