article_snippet.sent: Still, North Korea has a number of issues North Korea's been wrestling with for years.
article_snippet.sent: no further explanation, from Moscow or Pyongyang include widespread poverty, North Korea longstanding spat with neighboring North Korea and the United States, as well as North Korea international isolation largely due to North Korea controversial nuclear program.
article_snippet.sent: And news about Kim's non-visit comes a day after South Korean intelligence agents told lawmakers that Kim is ruling with an iron fist, having ordered the execution of about 15 senior officials so far this year.
article_snippet.sent: That said, North Korea is one of the most closed societies in the world.
article_snippet.sent: And there's little doubt that Kim is very much in charge.
article_snippet.sent: According to Shin, intelligence officials say the North Korean leader is ruling in an impromptu manner and does not countenance excuses or any views that vary with the North Korean leader own.