In the shadowy corridors of power within North Korea, Jang Jin-sung found himself in a position most could only dream of—or dread. As the State Poet Laureate to Kim Jong-il, Jang enjoyed privileges far beyond the reach of ordinary citizens: ample food, freedom of movement, and rare glimpses behind the regime's iron curtain. Yet beneath the surface of this seemingly enviable existence, lay a reality rife with danger and disillusionment. "Dear Leader" unveils Jang's extraordinary journey from the heart of North Korea's propagandist machine to his harrowing escape towards freedom. Through his eyes, we glimpse the inner workings of a regime that is as meticulously crafted as the verses he once penned, and as chilling. Jang's narrative is not just a tale of survival; it's a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming tyranny. As he navigates the perilous path to South Korea, every encounter, every close call, brings us closer to understanding the complex fabric of North Korean society, and the cost of individuality within its borders. "Dear Leader" is more than an exposé; it's a deeply personal story of enlightenment, despair, and the relentless pursuit of freedom. This gripping account sheds light on the darkest corners of Kim Jong-il's North Korea, offering an unprecedented insight into the life under one of the world's most repressive regimes.