Sneak isn't too hot on world politics - he hasn't really got the time in between trolling Justin Bieber fans and making hilarious Downfall videos - but even he knew that the grandson of barmy North Korean despot Kim Jong-il appearing on Facebook was odd.

But, yes, it's true, Kim Han-sol has apparently been found on the site complete with wacky photos and flirtatious messages from a young lady friend - no doubt they poke regularly.

That the direct descendant of a man who runs a nation according to slavish obedience to the state, where no dissent is tolerated and no independent thought cultivated, is on Facebook must surely make for some awkward family dinner times.

Or does it? Facebook is a sort of North Korean state in some ways - all changes are enforced on the population with no heed given to their views, the leader is fairly unfussed by issues such as privacy and even the colour scheme is somewhat totalitarian.

However, the fact that Han-sol asked his Facebook friends whether they prefer communism or democracy (cool kid!) and himself picked democracy - "You are no grandson of mine!" - suggests he may be a more modern man than his grandfather.

Then again, perhaps Mr Jong-il is just mellowing in his old age and doesn't want his grandson to be as "ronery" as he has been all his life.

07 Oct 2011