It is perhaps one of the most exhausting weeks in South Korea. With the former President’s suicide and now the current heightened security developments in the Korean peninsula, South Koreans are faced with multiple national developments.

Right after North Korea announced its intentions to declare the demilitarized zone void, both South Korean and U.S. forces are on heightened security alert. North Korea has recently tested a small nuclear device as well as firing multiple missiles on its ocean, causing an international uproar. These developments seemed to be too much even with North Korea’s closest ally China as condemnation from various countries around the world echoed in the international community.

The motivation behind North Korea’s military showcase seems to be rooted in the current totalitarian leader Kim Jung-Ill’s intention of solidifying his political power. Ever since he inherited the power from his father, Kim Jung-Ill faced with economic depression as well as wide spread poverty in North Korea. The only mean that is available for the preservation of his leadership position is spreading paranoia within the country to instill fears that the U.S. will be attacking the country again at any moment. That explains the North’s continued obsession on military developments as well as its interest in obtaining nuclear technologies. It also gives solidifies his relationships with his military base.

Some have said that this has been the usual pattern for the North, and North Korea is only seeking international attention to use it as a bargaining tool for more foreign aid and other necessities. Although I do not think this train of thought is wrong per se, I think the principle behind recent North Korea’s provocative action is largely driven by Kim Jung-Ill’s own intentions of preserving his own power in North Korea. He is getting old, and he wants to make sure that he has the decision making power to choose his own successor, preferably one of his own sons.