In a captivating art exhibit in North Korea, the country’s leader, Kim Jong Un, takes center stage as the subject of the first-ever paintings showcasing his remarkable leadership. The exhibit, strategically designed to promote the “cult of personality” surrounding Kim Jong Un, features a series of visually striking and idealized portrayals of the leader engaged in various activities, from warmly interacting with farmers to gracefully riding a horse on the majestic Mount Paektu, the symbolic highest peak of North Korea.
The art display, held in commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the “victory in the Fatherland Liberation War,” not only pays homage to Kim Jong Un but also honors his predecessors, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. The decision to grant Kim Jong Un’s portrait a prominent central position within the exhibit indicates a possible shift in the regime’s approach to propaganda, deviating from the traditional arrangement where his image hung third in the sequence.
According to the state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), the paintings vividly depict North Korea’s enduring triumphs against imperialism and the United States, aiming to evoke a sense of national pride and resilience that has endured for centuries.
The historical context of North Korea’s formation following World War II and Japan’s surrender in 1945 serves as a backdrop for understanding the nation’s narrative. The division of the Korean Peninsula at the 38th parallel led to the establishment of North and South Korea in 1948, culminating in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) after the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement in 1953, marking the end of the Korean War.
The art exhibition not only immortalizes Kim Jong Un’s leadership but also celebrates the revolutionary history of Kim Jong Il, who steadfastly upheld the legacy of past wartime victories. The paintings seek to convey a message of positive change under the guidance of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, despite the challenges faced by the nation due to border closures and famine exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The severity of the situation has led to an increase in suicide rates across the country, prompting Kim Jong Un to vehemently denounce suicide as an act of betrayal against the principles of socialism.
Dignitaries and officials, including Choe Chang Hak, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, and Choe Hui Thae, chairman of the Pyongyang Municipal People’s Committee, graced the official opening ceremony of the exhibit. The artists behind the captivating paintings remain unidentified, reflective of the secretive nature of Kim Jong Un’s inner circle.
Recent developments indicate a relaxation of restrictions on artists portraying Kim Jong Un, with reports suggesting that the leader himself commissioned three mosaic murals of his likeness for public display.
In line with the practices of his father and grandfather during the early years of their reigns, Kim Jong Un’s public showcasing of multiple artworks depicting himself reinforces the regime’s emphasis on fostering a “cult of personality.”
In addition to the compelling portraits of Kim Jong Un, the exhibition also features captivating depictions of recent missile tests, including the powerful Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and a captivating military parade that took place in February, underscoring North Korea’s unwavering commitment to displaying its military prowess on the world stage.