The trademark suit sported by North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is now in fashion worldwide thanks to his greatness, Pyongyang’s official website said on Wednesday.
Uriminzokkiri, quoting an article in Communist Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun, said the modest-looking suits have gripped people’s imagination and become a global vogue.
“The reason is that the august image of the Great General, who is always wearing the modest suit while working, leaves a deep impression on people’s mind in the world,” it said.
“To sum it up, that is because his image as a great man is so outstanding.”
The article quoted an unidentified French fashion expert as saying world fashion follows Kim Jong-il’s style.
“Kim Jong-il mode, which is now spreading expeditiously worldwide, is something unprecedented in the world’s history,” the stylist was quoted as saying.
The suits consist of an overall-style zipped-up tunic and matching trousers, usually in khaki or bluish-grey.
The 68-year-old leader wears them even when receiving foreign dignitaries. During his outside “field guidance” trips in winter, he also dons a shapeless anorak and fur hat.
Kim and his deceased father, Kim il-Sung, are at the heart of a personality cult that borders on religion, with near-magical powers ascribed to the younger Kim. Rainbows supposedly appeared over sacred Mount Paekdu where Kim Jong-il was allegedly born, and he is said once to have scored 11 holes-in-one in a single round of golf. — AFP