1.  Define the following words as used in the article:
propaganda (from para. 1)
demi-god (from para. 1)
vilified (from para. 1)
reclusive (from para. 3)
steeped (from para. 7)
posthumous (from para. 8)

2.  North Korea under Kim Jong-il defied the world by breaking a treaty and developing nuclear weapons.  What is believed to be the main purpose for North Korea's nuclear program?

3.  How did the U.S. (and most of the world) view Kim Jong-il?

4.  How does the description of Kim Jong-il by outside observers differ from that of North Korean state propaganda? Be specific.

5.  What crimes against other countries has Kim Jong-il been suspected of implementing?

CHALLENGE QUESTION:  Read the "Background" and skim the articles linked to under "Resources" (all posted under the questions).  In paragraph 5, the Reuters reporters describe Kim Jong-il as "one of the world's most enigmatic" leaders.
a)  Define enigmatic.
b)  Do you think describing Kim Jong-il as "enigmatic" is an accurate description, or the reporters' opinion?  Explain your answer.