Thank you, Mr. Chair, and welcome, Mr. Kirby. I'm very pleased to have you here.
I've been on this committee for 10 years now, and often we've discussed the situation in North Korea. I had the good fortune to visit the DMZ, as I was telling you earlier. It was shocking that the military from the north were so fragile and undernourished. They feed their armies first, so the people had to really be suffering.
I've had conversations with people, and I'm not sure whether we had the actual testimony here, but the belief is that there might be a regime collapse within five years, that there are internal disputes and problems happening that are not really seen that clearly outside. First, I'd ask if you'd consider that question.
Also, when Kim Jong-un first came in, as you say he was seen as almost a playboy to some extent, and very superficial.
Do you believe he's actually in charge of the country? I certainly question that.