Amidst great anticipation, a remarkable art exhibit in North Korea has unveiled the very first paintings depicting the country’s revered leader, Kim Jong Un, in a bid to further promote the “cult of personality” surrounding him. Each piece portrays Kim Jong Un in extravagant and romanticized scenarios, engaging in various activities such as warmly interacting with farmers and riding a majestic horse atop Mount Paektu, the nation’s highest peak.
Marking the 70th anniversary of the “victory in the Fatherland Liberation War,” the art exhibition also pays homage to Kim Jong Un’s predecessors, Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il. However, the prominent central positioning of Kim Jong Un’s painting suggests a potential shift in propaganda policy, deviating from the traditional arrangement where it hung third in line.
The state-owned Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) has described the paintings as a vivid depiction of North Korea’s long-lasting triumphs against imperialism and the United States. The artworks aim to encapsulate the unwavering spirit of resistance that has persisted for centuries.
North Korea’s historical context, dating back to its formation following World War II and Japan’s surrender in 1945, is a key backdrop for understanding the country’s narrative. The division of the Korean Peninsula at the 38th parallel eventually gave rise to North and South Korea in 1948, culminating in the establishment of the demilitarized zone (DMZ) in 1953 after the Korean War ended with the signing of the Korean Armistice Agreement.
Beyond glorifying Kim Jong Un, the exhibition also celebrates the “immortal revolutionary history” of Kim Jong Il, who staunchly upheld the legacy of wartime achievements. The artwork seeks to convey a positive transformation in the country under the guiding hand of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, even as North Korea faces hardships due to border closures and famine stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.
The severity of the situation has led to a surge in suicides across the nation, prompting Kim Jong Un to vehemently condemn suicide as an act of betrayal against socialism.
Notable dignitaries, 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, were present at the official opening ceremony of the exhibit. The identities of the artists behind the paintings remain shrouded in mystery, reflecting the secretive nature of Kim Jong Un’s inner circle.
Prior to this exhibition, artists were forbidden from portraying Kim Jong Un, but recent developments suggest a relaxation of such restrictions. Reports indicate that the leader himself commissioned three mosaic murals of his likeness for public display.
Drawing parallels with the practices of his father and grandfather during the early stages of their reigns, Kim Jong Un’s public showcasing of multiple works depicting himself exemplifies the regime’s emphasis on cultivating a “cult of personality.”
In addition to the striking portraits of Kim Jong Un, the exhibition also features depictions of recent missile tests, including the powerful Hwasong-18 intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), and a captivating military parade that took place in February, solidifying North Korea’s enduring commitment to displaying its military prowess to the world.
