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North Korea’s crown prince is studying Chinese, Japanese

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  • Published Oct 23, 2010 10:07 pm KST
  • Updated Oct 23, 2010 10:07 pm KST

North Korea’s heir designate Kim Jong-un, who has been recently appointed as a four-star general, is now studying foreign languages hard.

Citing Japanese and Chinese media reports, the local Seoul Shinmun newspaper on Saturday said Kim Jong-un has embarked on a new study routine for Chinese and Japanese languages to “ramp up his international acumen.”

If the report is correct, Kim Jong-un will be speaking four foreign languages. The Swiss-educated youngest son of Kim Jong-il, is believed to be fluent in English and German.

North Korea earlier this month aired a propaganda program for Kim Jong-un, titled “The Glory of Having a Rare Leader.”

Analysts believe that the report about portraying Kim Jong-un mastering multiple foreign languages and showing the propaganda movie to the public is an indication that North Korea has embarked on building personality cult for the young heir.