North Korea has been in the media a lot over the past few years, especially with Kim Jong-Un, becoming the new ‘Supreme Leader’. The country is infamous for lying to their public and threatening every nation in the world that isn’t North Korea with their nuclear weapons arsenal and war. I chose the picture below because I think this photo tells us so much about the views of the public in North Korea, as well as the government towards each other.
You can clearly see the concerning faces of the adults who can understand the authority and power that Kim Jong-Un possess, and how reckless and cruel he can be, while the kids who do not understand the political controversy and state of their nation seem calm. Kim Jong-Un and his General, are standing straight and look seemingly happy to be there. The two completely different reactions can be contrasted to visually see the opinions of the North Korean government of both sides.
This image is very powerful, and can be interpreted by us in many ways. Personally, the obvious meaning (the Denotation) is that the people of North Korea hate Kim Jong-Un. And perhaps by looking further into it (the Connotation) is that North Korea are trying to advertise themselves as a happy country, where everyone loves their ‘fearless leader’.
All signs point to Kim Jong Un trying to present a cuddlier, more family-friendly image to the world. (Huffington Post 2012)
If there’s one thing to take away from this photo, I think it’s the fact that even though the North Korean government and media are trying to shape the world perspective of themselves (unsuccessfully I might add), this photo can illustrate a governments, an individuals or organisations influence in the media, and what they can do with it. It shows the dangers of how easily we can fall for a false message (If it’s done right), and how much it can influence people’s ideologies.
We have to give him some credit though, after all he did stop the production of nuclear weapons to prioritise their major hunger crisis. So I guess that’s good in some way.
References:
Unknown, 2012, North Korean Family, Image, news.com, Viewed 27th March 2014, <http://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/real-life/this-north-korean-family-is-just-loving-life/story-e6frflri-1226453845192 >
Ryan Craggs, 2012, Kim Jong Un Family Photo: North Korean Leader Poses With Terrified-Looking Family, Huffington Post, Viewed 28th March 2014 <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/20/kim-jong-un-family-photo_n_1812069.html >
jakepascoe.com 
Great post jakey
Great choice of photograph to depict. I think it is important to note that even though the adults are unsettled and upset, they are still looking at the photographer. It could connote that there was enforcement to be involved in the photograph. I also wonder why they printed this photograph, did they want to publicise the effect they can have and scare the public? Interesting blog and I love the image at the end as well!
You be careful what you say about our great leader! Great uncle Lee once mentioned he didn’t like supreme leaders choice of socks and our family just got out of concentration camps!
But in seriousness, North Korea plays a tricky game, on one hand they possess a great military might and aren’t afraid to show it off to the world, but a small part of me wonders if those missiles work and if the tanks aren’t jeeps wrapped in cardboard, I kind of don’t want to be around to find out.
Interesting comparison between the children and the adults; and how his image as a leader will be shaped both internationally and within true Korea. A nice balance of humour with this important issue.