North Korean officials have been spotted wearing lapel pins featuring leader Kim Jong Un for the first time. This signals a further enhancement of his personality cult, similar to the reverence given to his late dictator father and grandfather.
Traditionally, North Koreans were mandated to wear pins with the images of either the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung, his son Kim Jong Il, or both. However, pictures released by state media showed officials at a Workers’ Party meeting donning pins dedicated to Kim Jong Un.
These pins are part of the official mythology surrounding the Kim family, depicting Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il as divine figures. The two leaders are honored with statues, national holidays, and their portraits are displayed in all establishments across North Korea.
Although Kim Jong Un’s authority is generally unquestioned, public displays honoring the 40-year-old have been scarce since he assumed power in 2011. But recently, he has initiated efforts to bolster his own personality cult and differentiate himself from his father and grandfather.
These efforts include displaying his portrait alongside the other Kims for the first time and refraining from certain terms associated with his predecessors. This shift is seen as an attempt by Kim Jong Un to establish his leadership distinct from his predecessors.
Experts believe these moves aim to strengthen internal unity behind Kim’s leadership amidst economic challenges and the influence of South Korean pop culture. Additionally, Kim Jong Un is reportedly trying to phase out symbols representing his predecessors’ legacies to promote his own rule.
However, as the third-generation leader in the Kim family, he faces a dilemma in distancing himself too much from his father and grandfather without undermining the dynastic legitimacy of his rule.
Observers note that North Koreans are now expected to wear pins featuring Kim Jong Un, reflecting his efforts to solidify his own era separate from his predecessors.
Amid economic difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic and international sanctions, Kim Jong Un recently addressed setbacks hindering economic progress during a Workers’ Party meeting.
Some experts suggest that Kim’s actions might also be linked to reports of grooming his preteen daughter, Ju Ae, as his successor. South Korea’s spy agency has identified Ju Ae as Kim’s likely heir apparent, although some analysts caution that she may face challenges due to her age in North Korea’s male-dominated hierarchy.