North builds up cult of personality around Kim
According to The Choson Sinbo, a pro-North Korean newspaper in Japan, yesterday, the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea in Pyongyang has published a book extolling the extraordinary skills of the young leader.
The paper reported that the book describes Kim as a worldly man who is well-versed in international politics and military affairs, and writes that he was a child prodigy able to fire guns and drive at a young age.
In January of this year, the North’s Korean Central Broadcasting Station aired a documentary featuring Kim Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s, in which it claimed the new leader was a diligent student in college and completed his graduation thesis on the accomplishments of Kim Il Sung.
South Korean media covering North Korean affairs have also said badges bearing Kim Jong-un’s image have been handed out to senior government officials.
Daily NK, a Seoul-based news site reporting on the North, quoted a source as saying Kim has given such badges to senior intelligence officials “to instill loyalty.”
Commemorative stamps with Kim’s portrait were issued in August, leading to speculation that badges would soon follow.
Yonhap
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
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