Kim Jong-un Takes Center Stage: North Korea's Murals Redefine the Kim Dynasty Hierarchy

Kim Jong-un Moves to the Center: A New Era in North Korean Iconography

Did you know that North Korea’s latest propaganda murals now place Kim Jong-un at the very center, literally and figuratively? In June 2025, footage from Korean Central Television revealed a new mosaic mural at the Kim Jong-suk Pyongyang Textile Factory, with Kim Jong-un flanked by his grandfather Kim Il Sung and father Kim Jong-il. Traditionally, these murals followed a generational order, but this bold new arrangement is fueling speculation about Kim Jong-un’s efforts to surpass his predecessors and cement his own legacy. This visual shift is more than just art—it’s a calculated move to reshape the narrative of leadership in North Korea.

From Succession to Supremacy: The Evolution of Kim Family Murals

Historically, North Korean murals have depicted the Kim family in strict generational order: Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong-il, and then Kim Jong-un. The first mural to place Kim Jong-un at the center appeared in October 2022 at the Ryonpho Greenhouse Complex, but it was considered an anomaly at the time. Now, with multiple new installations following this pattern, experts see a clear trend. This change is interpreted as Kim Jong-un’s attempt to signal that his authority is not just inherited, but earned through his own 'superior achievements.' State media coverage and the strategic placement of these murals reinforce his image as a leader who stands above even his legendary forebears.

The Political Message Behind the Art: Cult of Personality Accelerates

Why does mural placement matter so much in North Korea? In a society where visual propaganda is everywhere, these mosaics serve as tools for shaping public consciousness. By putting himself at the center, Kim Jong-un is sending a message: he is not just another link in the dynasty, but the focal point of the nation’s future. This is a marked departure from the Kim Jong-il era, when even the idea of depicting living leaders alongside deceased ones was taboo. Now, Kim Jong-un’s image is not only included but dominates, signaling a deliberate acceleration of his personal cult and a redefinition of what it means to be the Supreme Leader.

Community Buzz: Mixed Reactions from South Korean Networks

Online communities in South Korea are abuzz with reactions to these developments. On DC Inside and FM Korea, users express skepticism and concern, with some sarcastically commenting that Kim Jong-un is 'finally admitting he wants to be bigger than his grandfather.' Others on TheQoo and Instiz highlight the surreal nature of the regime’s propaganda, with posts like 'North Korea’s murals are getting weirder every year.' On Naver and Daum, more analytical voices debate the implications for regime stability, with some noting that such overt idolization could backfire if economic conditions worsen. Meanwhile, a few point out that this is a classic move in authoritarian image-making—nothing new, but always striking.

Cultural Context: Why Murals Matter in North Korea

For foreign readers, it’s important to understand the cultural and political weight of murals in North Korea. These mosaics are not mere decorations; they are sacred symbols, often installed in every village and factory. Residents are required to pay respects to them during major holidays, and damaging a mural is considered a serious political crime. The shift to centering Kim Jong-un in these images represents a profound change in the regime’s approach to legitimacy and succession. It’s a visual declaration that the current leader is not just a caretaker of the past but the architect of a new era.

Expert Insights: What Does This Mean for the Regime?

Experts like Hong Min of the Korea Institute for National Unification argue that this new mural arrangement reflects Kim Jong-un’s desire to break free from the shadow of his predecessors. By reducing visits to the Kumsusan Palace (where Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong-il’s bodies are enshrined) and discontinuing the use of the 'Juche era' dating system, Kim is distancing himself from the old guard. The central placement in murals is just the most visible sign of a broader campaign to assert his unique vision and authority. This move is seen as both a sign of confidence and a potential risk, as it places all the regime’s legitimacy squarely on his shoulders.

International and Fandom Perspectives: How the World Sees North Korea’s Visual Politics

International observers and K-culture fandoms are watching these developments closely. For many, the spectacle of North Korean idolization rituals is both fascinating and unsettling. Some overseas fans draw parallels with the way pop idols are promoted in South Korea, noting the stark contrast between voluntary fandom and enforced adulation. Others see the murals as a window into the regime’s insecurities, suggesting that the need for such overt displays of loyalty may indicate underlying instability. Either way, the global conversation about North Korea’s visual politics is richer and more nuanced than ever.

The Future of Idolization: What Comes Next?

With Kim Jong-un now firmly at the center of North Korea’s visual propaganda, the question is: what’s next? Will this new iconography succeed in consolidating his rule, or will it alienate those who still revere his predecessors? As the regime continues to grapple with economic hardships and international isolation, the effectiveness of these murals as tools of control will be tested. For now, one thing is clear—North Korea’s leadership is rewriting its own story, one mosaic at a time.