For a relatively small and totally closed dictatorship, North Korea has quite a bit of influence. That may have to do with the threat of nuclear weapons or the constant state of war with South Korea. Whatever the reason, stock market shares in Western Europe went into the red on Monday morning, experts say it was because of the news of the death of Kim Jong-il, the communist country’s leader.

The death of the 69-year-old leader was announced on Monday and led to mass public mourning (watch the video of North Korea’s official press agency KCNA). South Korea has put its troops on red alert just in case.

North Korea is not completely hermetically cut off from the outside world. Limited numbers of tourists are allowed in. A Radio Netherlands Worldwide reporter visited the country in an organised group trip in 2009. There was little opportunity to speak with the citizens of the impoverished country. But the reporter still managed to take some exciting footage. Once back in the Netherlands, Jaap Timmer of the Red Cross watched the film and added his comments. He lived and worked in the capital Pyongyang for three years.

(nc)