Russia appears to use AI to enhance photos, distorting Kim Jong Un’s face



Investigations Russia appears to use AI to enhance photos, distorting Kim Jong Un’s face Official photos of education chief’s visit to North Korea also add extra finger to Putin’s hand, mangle text Anton Sokolin October 21, 2026 SHARE COPY LINK FACEBOOK X LINKEDIN MASTODON A photo released by Russia's Education Ministry that appears to have been edited with AI, distorting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's face (inset) \| Image: Russia's Education Ministry, edited by NK News The Russian government appears to have used artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance photos from its education chief’s latest visit to Pyongyang, distorting the face of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the process, according to NK News analysis. Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov’s visit this week centered on Russian-language education in the DPRK and sharing AI expertise, amid a broader push to deepen bilateral ties. The ministry releaseda photo of Kravtsov signing a document during his visit to a Pyongyang teachers’ college, sitting in a hall decorated with a framed print of Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking © Korea Risk Group. All rights reserved. No part of this content may be reproduced, distributed, or used for commercial purposes without prior written permission from Korea Risk Group. Have follow-up questions? Ask NK PRO's Intelligence Suite to learn more. Have there been past incidents of altered photos of Kim Jong Un and what were the consequences? This question is generated by AI and could contain mistakes. Get the Daily Update & Podcast Updates Start your day with the North Korea stories that matter most – as selected by Trending

Investigations

Russia appears to use AI to enhance photos, distorting Kim Jong Un’s face

Official photos of education chief’s visit to North Korea also add extra finger to Putin’s hand, mangle text

Anton Sokolin October 21, 2026

Russia appears to use AI to enhance photos, distorting Kim Jong Un’s face

A photo released by Russia's Education Ministry that appears to have been edited with AI, distorting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's face (inset) | Image: Russia's Education Ministry, edited by NK News

The Russian government appears to have used artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance photos from its education chief’s latest visit to Pyongyang, distorting the face of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the process, according to NK News analysis.

Education Minister Sergei Kravtsov’s visit this week centered on Russian-language education in the DPRK and sharing AI expertise, amid a broader push to deepen bilateral ties.

The ministry releaseda photo of Kravtsov signing a document during his visit to a Pyongyang teachers’ college, sitting in a hall decorated with a framed print of Kim and Russian President Vladimir Putin shaking