VOX POPULI: Parallels between Kim Jong Il and King John

When we do something bad, we often call it the devil's work. But sometimes, "means" can lure us into wrongdoing.

William Shakespeare (1564-1616) had a sharp eye with regard to human nature. In the historical play "The Life and Death of King John," the playwright had the king uttering the following words: "How oft the sight of means to do ill deeds makes deeds ill done!"

In this case, the "means to do ill deeds" refers to the king's loyal retainer, whose presence only spurs the king's desire to kill his nephew. And the king drops a hint.

The retainer guesses the king's wishes and murders the nephew. The memorable words were spoken by the king in repentance.

In the case of the sinking of a South Korean warship in March, the means was a torpedo fired by a submarine. The incident has been blamed on North Korea.

Like the retainer in "King John," someone who guessed the North Korean dictator's inner thoughts might have ordered the attack.

Typically, faithful North Koreans vie with each other to demonstrate their loyalty to their leader. Abnormal conduct by the abnormal state is a never-ending source of tension on the Korean Peninsula.

On Monday, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak demonstrated a resolute stand by virtually severing all of South Korea's ties with the North. He said South Korea reserved the right to resort to self-defense in response to a further military provocation and asked the public to be "prepared."

The situation made me realize afresh that the Korean War, which flared 60 years ago, ended with a cease-fire armistice that exists to this day.

I don't know whether the inexcusable act made North Korean leader Kim Jong Il repentant or happy.

But either way, when we think of North Korea stamping its feet, we shouldn't forget its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea chose to advance its weapons developments even though many of its citizens were starving.

King John's reign in the 13th century has been characterized as one of the most disastrous in English history.

And now, North Korea is ruled by the notorious Kim dynasty. No matter what, countries need to strengthen their cooperation and tighten their siege against it.

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 25

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Vox Populi, Vox Dei is a popular daily column that takes up a wide range of topics, including culture, arts and social trends and developments. Written by veteran Asahi Shimbun writers, the column provides useful perspectives on and insights into contemporary Japan and its culture.