As Amy Goodman points out in this report from Tuesday’s edition of “Democracy Now!,” North Korean leader Kim Jong Il’s death came as a surprise to the U.S., which also underscores a more general lack of knowledge in America about either of the Koreas. Fortunately, she brings in some experts on the region to bring us up to speed. –KA

‘Democracy Now!’:

Rock Solid Journalism

In 2026, amid chaos and the nonstop flurry of headlines, Truthdig remains independent, fact-based and focused on exposing what power tries to hide.

Support Independent Journalism.

SUPPORT TRUTHDIG