Kim Jong Un 'rubber-stamping dictator'?

PYONGYANG, North Korea, Sept. 3 (UPI) -- If Kim Jong Un succeeds his father as ruler of North Korea, he will probably be a "rubber-stamping dictator," an expert says.

The younger Kim, believed to be in his late 20s, would also be the first third-generation leader in a Communist country. Andrei Lankov, who teaches at Kookmin University in Seoul, said his youth and lack of experience are likely to get him support.

I think he is chosen exactly because he is young," Lankov said. "In case of his father's sudden death, Kim Jong Un, inexperienced, without power base, embarrassingly young, will have no choice but to obediently follow the instructions of the old guard. He will be a dictator, but merely a rubber-stamping dictator. This is what the people in the position of power want."

Kim Jong Il, who succeeded his father, Kim Il Sung, the founder of the North Korean state, has called a Workers Party national congress soon. Little has been released about the agenda, but there has been speculation Kim Jong Un will be presented as his father's heir.

"This party meeting will be a coming-out party for Kim Jong Un," said Peter Beck of Keio University in Japan.