Lynn Thoman

We think we understand North Korea.

We call it communist.

But is it?

Hi, everyone.

I'm Lynne Thoman, and this is Three Takeaways.

On Three Takeaways, I talk with some of the world's best thinkers, business leaders, writers, politicians, newsmakers, and scientists.

Each episode ends with three key takeaways to help us understand the world and maybe even ourselves a little better.

Today, I'm excited to be with Jonathan Chang.

John is the China Bureau Chief for the Wall Street Journal.

Before that, he served as the paper's Korea Bureau Chief.

He's also the author of the wonderful new book, Korean Messiah.

Welcome, John, and thanks so much for joining Three Takeaways today.

It is my pleasure.

John, what do most people misunderstand about North Korea?

We call it communist, but is it?

What are the roots of this worship, this belief system?

And why do you think he adopted this essentially religious system of veneration of himself and his descendants?

You call your book Korean Messiah.

Why?

And how did he get other people to see him that way?