The attempt to kill the leader of the secretive state could have escalated tensions and shaken his regimented power, a Seoul-based intelligence source revealed, heightening his need to unite his country through the fear of war.



Although the source – who is well-informed about North Korean affairs according to South Korean media reports – did not reveal the exact timing of the incident or who was behind the attack, he said the move appeared to be related to the recent fall and rise of a powerful general, Kim Yong-chol.



“It appeared that disgruntled people inside the North moved before the time of the demotion of Kim Yong-chol,” the source said.



Known as one of the closest associates of the young North Korean leader, General Kim appeared on television last week to say that Pyongyang could “cancel the 1953 armistice agreement” that halted the fighting in the Korean War, potentially sparking war with the South.



The source said an internal power struggle took place last year at the Reconnaissance General Bureau, which was run by General Kim and oversees South Korean operations.



The power struggle even involved an exchange of gunfire, the source said, and it is believed those involved were also behind the attempt on the Dear Leader's life.



“The people who were purged after the gunfight could be related to the assassination attempt,” the source said.



South Korean intelligence authorities now believe the latest moves by Kim Jong-un to ratchet up tensions through a series of war threats are linked to the incident, which reportedly took place last year.



It is speculated that Kim Jong-un is siding with military hard-liners to solidify his regime and seek internal unity out of fear of a revolt from his oppressed people.



The North Korean leader plans to bring about fear of a nuclear war in both the North and South Korea, the source said, but whether or not his threats will come into fruition is unknown.



“Those in power are afraid that the public will be very agitated by forthcoming food shortages in April,” another official said, speaking to Korea Joongang Daily.



“Kim Jong-un doesn’t want to start a war. He just wants to escalate tensions to unite his people and find a way through the tightened sanctions.”