re: What is North Korea's Endgame?

To me it's a simple case of group think. We see it whenever a dictator espouses his god-like qualities and orders his subjects to accept them or die.

The NOKOs actually think that Lil Kim is a god and will protect them in battles with any nation, even the U.S. In fact, they have been brainwashed to think that the average American is poorer than the average NOKO and are slaves to their oppressive government. They are constantly told that a war with the U.S. would be brief and millions of Americans would die at the hand of their glorious leader. So, their de facto endgame is suicide.

Kim is being usurped by the military leaders of DPRK who used to be friendly with and want to be friendly with China again. They are setting him up. He is powerless and has no respect.