The man who met the founder of North Korea - BBC News

The Kim family have ruled North Korea for over seven decades but how did the original "Great Leader" get the job?

Questions surround the early days of Kim Il-sung and his dynasty.

102-year-old Professor Kim Hyung-suk came from the same village, and met him as he was starting out on his rise to power. ​

Produced by: Kevin Kim and William Lee
Filmed and edited by: Kevin Kim

#NorthKorea #BBCNews

[mdukasa]

This man aged really well considering he's 102

[BlueVenom_]

I thought he was 80 or 90 at the most but my man is 102 aged like fine wine<3

[Duality-Mode]

"He was a man of will, not knowledge." Wise words were spoken!!

[azj_]

I can't believe he can still remember that he meet with Kim Il Sung at age 102 years old. What a great man.

[kugul]

It's amazing, that he's still a professor at 102 years!

[amaldrew]

"Professor Kim is now 102 years old"

Wow I thought he's in 70+

[Dan]

Jimmy Carter also went to NK and met Kim Il Sung. He’s still alive and kicking

[NathanielChristopher]

Even though I watch this through subtitles I recognize a man of immense wisdom, knowledge and honour. It is truly a gift that he is still with us at 102 to share his story and that of his people.

[beberodriguez]

Impeccable memory... Interesting what you can learn in 5minutes.

[MissesWitch]

That awkward moment when your bestie becomes your country's dictator!

[banquobron]

bruh this guy is almost 100 years old

edit: wow 102 years old

[LITTLE]

The fact he is 102, he definitely lived a full life. That's not a small feat to reach.

[ramitaangkititi]

Imagine seeing your childhood friend become a dictator.

[parvchetri]

Damn, wished this was longer and the man would have told more about his thoughts about Kim Il-sung as a ruler and his successors.

[charleyjr.iriarte]

Isn´t it amazing to see one of your classmates become one of the most powerful people in the world? The feeling was gratifying and shocking at the same time. AHAAH! Not supporting their communism, but as he said, ¨He was a man of will, but not knowledge.¨

[Netizen_casio]

When villains and heroes were once innocent, who knew those around one would blow a bubble so big that had such a legacy.

[AlmostGod]

This man has truly lived a rich ( in terms of experience ) life

[iwogajda]

"He who refuses to pass through the door of My mercy must pass through the door of My justice..." (from the Diary of Saint Faustina Kowalska; partial record 1146)

[thepolishastronaut]

moral of the story: If the quiet art kid or teen coming of age film antagonist gets into politics we're all screwed

[rr]

So glad he was able to escape and tell his story! At the same time, I'm heartbroken for those who were not, at any point, able to escape and either perished from violence or starvation, and those still suffering today.