North Korea's idolisation of former rulers seen reduced

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N. Korea's idolisation of former rulers seen reduced
Song Sang-ho
The Korea Herald

SEOUL: -- North Korea’s efforts to idolise its late former leaders appear to have recently been reduced, an indication that current ruler Kim Jong-un is striving to wean himself from the influences of his predecessors and build his own leadership, analysts said Monday.

The current leader has recently appeared in a series of public events without wearing a badge depicting the portraits of the North’s national founder and his grandfather Kim Il-sung, and former leader and his father Kim Jong-il.

The portrait of Kim Il-sung has also disappeared from a new airport facility in Pyongyang, a rare scene in the country that has long worshiped the two former leaders with badges on people’s formal suits, gigantic statues in major cities and other propaganda tools.

In a musical performance by the country’s top Moranbong troupe in April, there were no scenes on the backdrop that showed the two late leaders, according to news agency Yonhap. Previously, any performance by the troupe presented photos of the late leaders carrying out state affairs in a show of national respect to them.

Chin Hee-gwan, a unification studies professor at Inje University in Gimhae, South Gyeongsang Province, said that the absence of the former leaders’ portraits in some public places and the current leader’s decision to not wear a badge of his grandfather and father are expressions of Kim’s confidence in his management of state affairs.

“After the three-year mourning period ended in December 2014, Kim Jong-un seems to be showing his confidence as a leader of the country,” he said.

Full story: http://www.asianewsnet.net/news-78045.html


-- ANN 2015-07-14

[ikbenhet]

[wabothai]

A new idol has risen named Oen.

[cookee68]

Who cares outside of North Korea, they enjoy the controlled life,