As the formidable tropical storm Khanun approaches, North Korean citizens have received a crucial directive: safeguard the portraits of the revered Kim dynasty.
With heavy rainfall and powerful winds anticipated, the official newspaper of the ruling Korean Workers’ Party, Rodong Sinmun, has urged citizens to prioritize the safety of portraits depicting the current leader, Kim Jong-un, his father, Kim Jong-il, and the founding figure of North Korea, Kim Il-sung.
The newspaper’s call to action extends beyond portraits, encompassing an array of statues, mosaics, murals, and monuments that pay homage to the enduring legacy of the Kim dynasty. These symbolic representations hold immense significance, serving to reinforce the regime’s legitimacy and deep-rooted ideology.
Tropical storm Khanun recently made landfall on the Korean peninsula, triggering widespread concern about its potential impact on North Korea. The nation’s vulnerability to natural disasters is exacerbated by inadequate infrastructure and deforestation, rendering it prone to flooding and devastation.
In neighboring South Korea, Khanun has already wrought havoc, causing floods, landslides, and tragically claiming one life.
North Korea’s state-run KCNA news agency emphasised the nation’s proactive response to the impending calamity. “All the sectors and units” are actively engaged in combating the abnormal climate conditions, with precautions such as issuing warnings against strong winds, downpours, tidal waves, and sea disturbances.
This latest climatic threat arrives on the heels of recent torrential rains that resulted in flash floods and landslides in South Korea, leaving a trail of destruction and claiming numerous lives.
North Korea’s insistence on safeguarding its iconography underscores the deep-seated importance of symbolism within the nation’s sociopolitical fabric. Portraits of Kim Jong-il and Kim Il-sung are fixtures in every home and workplace, carrying profound cultural and religious connotations.
Even accidental damage to these sacred symbols can lead to severe consequences, including potential execution.
The regime’s emphasis on safeguarding these representations not only showcases their symbolic importance but also highlights North Korea’s status as a theocratic state, where devotion to these icons carries profound spiritual significance.
As the nation readies itself for Khanun’s potential impact, North Koreans are reminded once again of the enduring role of symbolism in the face of adversity.