During the pandemic, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, who had long billed himself as invincible, made a stunning, teary-eyed apology on national television.“I am really sorry,” he said, as the coronavirus, coupled with food shortages and international sanctions, was ravaging his country. “My efforts and sincerity have not been sufficient enough to rid our people of the difficulties in their life.”But while ordinary North Koreans were suffering, Kim (42) seized the crisis as a unique opportunity. Now, he is brimming with confidence. He is recognised at home and abroad as North Korea’s most powerful leader to date, surpassing even his...