Dear Leader

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Dear Leader contains stunning new insights into North Korea that could only be revealed by a high-ranking official in the regime. It is also the captivating story of how a member of this shadowy country's inner circle became its most courageous and outspoken critic.

Jang Jin-sung held one of the highest positions in the North Korean propaganda machine, helping to tighten the regime's grip on its people. Among his duties were developing North Korea's founding myth, posing as a South Korean intellectual, and writing epic poems in support of dictator Kim Jong-il.

Young and ambitious, his patriotic work secured him an uncommon audience with Kim Jong-il himself, giving him special status as one of the “recognized.” This meant special food rations, a travel permit, and immunity from prosecution and harm. He was privy to state secrets, including military and diplomatic policies, how to carry out the devastating “audit,” and the true status of one of the country’s most powerful and elusive men, Im Tong-ok. Praised by the Dear Leader himself, he had every reason to feel good about his situation and safety. However, he could not ignore his conscience, or the disparity between his life and the lives of those he saw starving on the street. Having broken security rules, Jang Jin-sung, along with a close friend, was forced to flee to save his life: away from lies and deceit, toward truth and freedom.