Kim Jong IL has died.

Historically there are few cases where one leader is succeeded by a son who rules the same, especially if the father's rule was seen as tyrannical. Likely his son will take charge and make small changes if all goes well he may stay in power and N Korea will probably continue down a similar but likely more progressive path. I doubt much will happen in the near future since the government structure didn't magically die with him.

Well it's hard to say. If you've noticed Cuba lately, Cuba is having a capitalist economic revolution. The government has removed bans on cell phones and other personal electronics. People can now buy automobiles, and can sell houses and apartments. The country is growing their economy to the benefit of the entire population. No one dared think this could happen after so many years of Castro's brutal destruction. But Castro's son has pushed for a more open, free-market capitalist system, granted... slowly... but it's still happening. Is it possible that Kim Jon Il's son will have a similar revolution in North Korea? Or could they start a war? Well... All socialist countries, refuse to accept that socialism does not work, and instead find someone to blame their failures on. Cuba blames the US, claiming that our trade embargo ruined them (even though they trade with absolutely everyone else on the planet). North Korea blames South Korea for their failed socialist system. Similarly, Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, blames Columbia for their socialistic failures. Cuba of course, can't possible mount an attack against the US, at least not without the US completely wiping out the entire countries government in a matter of days. Venezuela tried to attack Columbia in July of 2010. But we sent troops to Columbia, and Hugo Chavez knew we'd wipe the floor with him if he did anything, and withdrew. Here is where the situation is different. South Korea could be defeated by North Korea. Further, in the past, they have been very passive, and very appeasing to North Korea. (like the UK and Germany prior to WW2). Moreover, North Korea sees South Korea as part of their rightful country. (kind of like China and Taiwan) Whenever there is a power shift in a socialist system, the new leadership always tries to consolidate power to secure their position. Hugo Chavez did this by instituting armed militias in Venezuela. Raul Castro has not had to because Castro shifted power to him while he was still alive. Unfortunately, there are three possible successors to Kim Jong Il. With power divided, it is very possible that a power struggle could happen in North Korea, and one way to secure power... sadly... is to start a war. When war breaks out, people flock to whomever is in the front. (Hitler in Germany) Consolidating power could be the driving force behind a new Korea conflict. Hopefully, they'll take the road of Raul Castro and instead open up the country and institute Capitalistic growth policies that will benefit the country, instead of kill of bunch of people. Time will tell.