North Korean leader Kim Jong-un gets pants dirty (PHOTOS)
Kim Jong-un is a demi-god in North Korea so few would be willing to point out that the seat of his trousers has a big smudge of dirt across the bottom during his recent tour of a textile factory in Sinuiju on the border with China. Or was it intentional to show Kim has worked hard for the people? Kim reportedly upbraided factory workers for poor work performance. This footage is from the North Korean Central TV. Yonhap
By Oh Young-jin
A dozen photos released from North Korea show its leader Kim Jong-un is working to industrialize his debilitated nation. In the footage, Kim is seen with a big dirt smudge on the seat of his trousers and a red face climbing on the beach during his visit to islanders. Then, he tries on a cosmetic product, being accompanied by his wife Ri Sol-ju. Does this footage show Kim's priority has shifted to bettering the lives of his people and strengthening the national economy? Last year he ended the nation's “Byeongjin” of boosting military and strengthening the economy and decided to focus on the latter thanks after the completion of its nuclear programs. A simple dichotomy would tell that if he is really serious about a better economy, there could be a greater chance of separating himself from his nukes. In other words, he could and would give them up if the “price” is right. That is the job for U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo when he meets Kim. Pompeo may start the conversation by pointing out that smudge mark on Kim's trousers.
Kim Jong-un slides into the backseat of what appears to be a beat-up second-hand Chinese imported car during his recent tour of Sindo Island, North Pyeongan Province in this footage from the North Korean Central TV report. This vehicle is a far cry from a stretch bullet-proof Mercedes Benz he is seen riding during important functions. Yonhap
Kim Jong-un with a reddened face perhaps because of the ardor of climbing on the beach of Sindo Island or for his failure to wear sun screen. He is being helped by one of his entourage. Yonhap
Sindo residents wave to the boat that takes Kim Jong-un back to the mainland during his recent tour. Yonhap
kim Jong-un applies a makeup product on the back of his hand during his recent visit to a store in Sinuiju. At right is his wife Ri Sol-ju. Yonhap