Kim shows departure in leadership style

North Korean officials and soldiers dance in celebration during an event following the announcement that young leader Kim Jong-un has been given the title of marshal of the 1.19-million strong Korean People’s Army in Pyongyang, Wednesday. (Photo : Yonhap)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un recently made a surprise visit to Pyongyang’s main airport to inspect a renovation project, a report said Thursday, in what could be another example of his emerging leadership style.

The inspection by Kim, who was handed power following the death of his father Kim Jong-il in December, did not include the massive security escort or traffic restrictions associated with the movements of previous North Korean leaders, Yonhap reported, citing an American businessman who was at the airport.

The visit on July 4 left officials “feeling tense,” the source quoted an airport employee as saying. The North’s state media reported the visit but did not give details.

It could be the latest departure by the Swiss-educated leader believed to be in his late twenties from the leadership style of his father, a mercurial head of state seen as distanced from his people.

Some observers think the sudden visit could show that Kim’s international experience gives him a new perspective on running the country, including cutting through bureaucracy on site visits to gain a better idea of situations on the ground.

“There was a different image of the North that was unimaginable during the time of Chairman Kim Jong-il,” the source said of the situation under the new regime

Kim has taken steps this week to close ranks, dismissing powerful military chief Ri Yon-ho and replacing him with lesser-known Army General Hyon Yong-chol. The leader also took the post of marshal, cementing his military control.

Ri’s ousting sparked speculation over what prompted the move, with some suggesting Kim’s closest political aides would now try to assert influence over the military as the country tries to revive its beleaguered economy.

Some North Korean defectors have reported rumblings that Ri was purged after trying to deceive the young leader during an inspection of Tank Division 105 by keeping malnourished soldiers out of sight.

One defector quoted his son, serving in the North Korean army, as saying that Ri had been rebuked for the incident.

Whether or not the nuclear-armed regime is taking a new direction, it is clear that Kim is diverging from his father when it comes to leadership style. He has already given two speeches, in contrast to his father who rarely spoke publically, and is often seen clasping citizens’ hands during site visits, suggestive of a new closeness with the people.

Experts suggest such appearances are meant to evoke memories of Kim’s grandfather, country founder Kim Il-sung, said to be more popular among the people than Kim Jong-il. <The Korea Times/Kim Young-jin>

news@theasian.asia