And the Dong-A Ilbo reports that North Koreans working in China have switched their mandatory Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il badges for badges of the North Korean flag. An analyst said the move is part of an attempt to shore up the long-term stability of the regime by stressing loyalty to the “nation” and “race” rather than the ruling family. He also said the move could be a sign of opening, since North Korea was the only county in the world forcing its people to wear badges of its leader. North Koreans in North Korea, meanwhile, still wear the Kim Il-sung/Kim Jong-il badges.
Flags for Badges?
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North Korea was the only county in the world forcing its people to wear badges of its leader.
I realize that “county” is a typo, but the parochialism it implies seems apropos here.
Kevin
I want a Kim Jung il badge. I hope they make trading cards too!
Three possible scenarios…
a) they are actually opening up.
b) they are trying to appear as if they are opening up.
c) they realize that Kim Jong Il might not be around for long and want to pave the way for his successor, probably one of his own kids. Given that most of them, the ones who were officially recognized and those who weren’t, grew up in time of peace and have lived abroad, they would try to use a different strategy, to create a different image for their leader and their country.
Unless it happens back inside of NK too, it probably is not a signal
of deeper change. Most likely, North Koreans want to shore up their status with the Chinese and outsiders, and show that the North is ‘modern,’ institutionalized state, rather than the personal fiefdom of the Kim clan.
Of course, back inside North Korea, the personality cult remains intact – everyone continues to wear Kim pins and worship the dear leader.
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