April 18, 2024
Analysis

How North Korean writings rationalize Kim Jong Un’s leadership style

Stories about the ‘failures,’ and lessons, of specialists explain Kim’s decision-making

While the new creative writings universally glorify Kim Jong Un’s genius in general, they tend to present his leadership style according to one unusual pattern.

A stereotypical plot of a tale about Kim Jong Un focuses on a close interaction between the leader and a distinguished, hard-working and impeccably loyal specialist. The latter is involved in an important project. He works diligently and enthusiastically, then presents the result to his superiors, expecting appreciations of his efforts. Instead, he receives a severe rejection of his work from the top manager, without explanation of the reasons. The specialist is at loss. He does not understand where he was wrong. He is forced to endure his pain alone, for his dearest and nearest turn away because he had “let the leader down.” The specialist is about to be dismissed from his work, and lose his way of life.

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