CAG Book Talk

Korean Messiah: North Korea’s Extraordinary Personality Cult—and Its Surprising Christian Roots

For nearly eight decades, North Korea has charted a distinctive political path, navigating its strategic relations with neighbouring powers while developing a governance system and political leadership that set it apart from other communist states. In this talk, journalist Jonathan Cheng explores the historical forces, political institutions, and ideological foundations that have shaped one of the world’s most closely scrutinised societies. Drawing on his groundbreaking book, shortlisted for the Cundill History Prize and described by The New Yorker’s Evan Osnos as a “magnificent tale,” Cheng offers fresh insights into the country’s enduring political dynamics and its place in the world.

Seminar Room 2-2

Manasseh Meyer Building

Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

469E Bukit Timah Road

Singapore 259774

 

Wed 9 December 2026
10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Jonathan Cheng

Jonathan Cheng

China Bureau Chief, The Wall Street Journal

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Chin-Hao Huang

Chin-Hao Huang

Director of the Centre on Asia and Globalisation and Associate Professor in Political Science, Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy

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