The 'glorious' and 'unbeatable' North Korean leader, Kim Jong-un, is making headlines. This time, not for launching missiles or testing nuclear weapons, but for something that’s strongly reminiscent of Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Kim Jong-un rode to the top of North Korea’s highest peak, Mount Paektu which is considered to be sacred, on the back of a majestical white horse. Whatever you think of him as a leader or of publicity stunts meant for propaganda, the photos from his horseback ride are stunning. Scroll down for Bored Panda’s exclusive interview on the topic.
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
It’s a beautiful horse. Looks a bit like Shadowfax from The Lord of the Rings, doesn’t it? But the galloping horse isn’t really the point at all: almost everything the North Korean dictator does is symbolical or has an important message hidden in between the lines. And this time is no different.
"Run, Shadowfax, show us the meaning of haste!"
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
Pundits believe that Kim Jong-un’s gallop up the snow-covered 2,750-meter high Mount Paektu is highly significant and that actions like this precede important announcements. This mountain holds a special place in the mythology of North Korea because it is known as the birthplace of Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il.
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
"Sitting on the horseback atop Mt Paektu, [he] recollected with deep emotion the road of arduous struggle he covered for the great cause of building the most powerful country, with faith and will as firm as Mount Paektu," North Korea’s state media KCNA said, exclaiming that Kim Jong-un rode to the top with eyes “full of noble glitters.”
Image credits: kcna
Image credits: kcna
Bored Panda talked to Daeun Choi, who finished International Peace and Security Studies at Korea University GSIS and works with the EU delegation, about the significance of Kim Jong-un’s horseback ride.
“I think he just wants to show off his power, despite the failed result of working-level talks between Washington and Pyongyang,” Ms. Choi explained.
According to her, the media in South Korea has made various comments about Kim Jong-un’s cute photos, the point of view depending on the particular media’s interests. But some of the opinions are that Kim Jong-un’s message is directed towards the United States, while others even stated that what the Hermit Kingdom's leader is doing is cruel to horses.
“Some others say he just wants to look like his grandfather or Putin.” Ms. Choi noted.
Internet users were quick to turn the photos into memes
Image credits: Andrew Jessop
Here's what people thought of Kim Jong-un riding his white steed
