North Korea unveils a statue of Kim Jong-unAFP, SEOULNorth Korea has unveiled one of its first-known statues of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, using the “highly unusual” sculpture to depict the leader as a smiling man of the people, an analyst told reporters. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un speaks at the Sangwon Cement Complex in North Hwanghae province in North Korea on Sunday. North Korea is dotted with massive statues venerating Kim’s grandfather Kim Il-sung and his father, Kim Jong-il — the first two members of the family dynasty to rule the nation. North Korea releases highly choreographed images to illustrate Kim Jong-un’s absolute grip on power. Chinese President Xi Jinping (習近平) in 2019 gifted North Korea a half-body bust of Kim Jong-un during a visit to Pyongyang.

Source: Taipei Times March 04, 2026 16:31 UTC