By Agence France-PresseThe hawkish North Korean general on his way to New York for pre-summit talks is a skillful politician who has thrived through three generations of the ruling Kim family. Kim Yong Chol, described as Kim Jong Un’s right-hand man, left Beijing on Wednesday bound for the North’s “imperialist enemy” where he will meet US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and possibly Donald Trump. He was by Kim’s side when the young North Korean leader met South Korean President Moon Jae-in in April, and again for the leaders’ surprise second summit on May 26. That shift was completed in 2011, when the untested Kim Jong Un ascended, carrying out a purge that saw many senior figures removed or even executed. “I am Kim Yong Chol, the guy blamed by the South for the Cheonan ship sinking”.

Source: Manila Bulletin May 30, 2018 23:15 UTC