Aside from current posturing by the Trump administration, the status quo retains an illusion of stability in North Korea. Towers of ilium does not maintain a field office there--one of those rare circumstances where our corporate policies are in line with other news organizations. It is hard to imagine that Kim sleeps easy, Trump or no Trump. The aura of the monarchy may have dimmed over the past few decades, and if China ever grows tired of the situation, then the endgame will play out with brutal speed.

In the meantime, our perverse--yea, even romantic fascination with the place will continue.