North Korea has unveiled a 'highly unusual' golden statue of its leader, Kim Jong Un, marking the first time the regime has depicted him in such a form. The half-body sculpture, broadcast on state-run television, shows Kim smiling broadly into the air while holding a box, with one hand tucked into the pocket of a thick coat and a suit visible underneath.
First Statue of a Living Leader
According to South Korea's Unification Ministry, this is the first instance where North Korea itself has created a statue of Kim Jong Un. The department stated today: 'A statue of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was recently shown on Korean Central Television, and as far as we know, this is the first time it has been identified.' This move breaks from tradition, as the nation is typically dotted with massive statues venerating Kim's grandfather, Kim Il Sung, and his father, Kim Jong Il—both deceased leaders of the family dynasty.
Expert Analysis on the Unusual Move
Expert Lim Eul-chul from the Institute for Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University noted that such honours are usually reserved for the dead, making this sculpture 'highly unusual'. He said: 'North Korea is now moving toward the peak of a leader-focused cult. The statue is particularly notable because it is highly unusual for the regime to create a monument of a leader who is still alive.'
Lim also highlighted that the statue appears designed to portray Kim as a more relatable figure. He explained: 'Rather than depicting him as a god-like figure, the North is likely to promote a narrative portraying him as a leader who earns people's respect and devotes himself to their welfare.' This contrasts with North Korea's typical propaganda, which often releases highly choreographed images to emphasise Kim's absolute grip on power, such as him riding a white horse up a sacred mountain in 2019 or being mobbed by fawning soldiers.
Comparison to Past Gifts and Propaganda
During a visit to Pyongyang in 2019, Chinese leader Xi Jinping gifted Kim a half-body bust of himself, but this new statue is distinct as it was created by North Korea itself. The golden stone replica represents a significant shift in the regime's approach to leader veneration, potentially signaling a new phase in Kim's cult of personality.
Analysts suggest that the statue's smiling and approachable depiction may be an attempt to soften Kim's image internationally and domestically, even as the regime continues to reinforce his authority through other means. This development underscores the evolving nature of North Korean propaganda and its efforts to balance traditional authoritarian symbols with more modern, relatable imagery.
