Ever looked at a photo of Kim Jong Un and felt like something was... off? It’s not just you.
Every single one of those Kim Jong Un pictures you see on the news has been through a gauntlet of state censors before it ever hits a server in Seoul or a desk in Washington. Honestly, calling them "photographs" is almost a stretch. They’re more like paintings made with a camera lens.
In North Korea, images aren't for capturing a moment. They're for building a god.
The Weird Science Behind Official Imagery
If you look at the sheer volume of photos coming out of Pyongyang lately, it’s staggering. In 2025 alone, Kim made 131 public appearances. That is a lot of shutter clicks. But here is the thing: you will never see him with a hair out of place. You won't see a double chin unless the state wants him to look "substantial" and healthy.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) operates like a high-end fashion magazine, but with nuclear missiles instead of handbags.
Take the recent photos of that 8,700-ton nuclear-powered submarine. Experts like Martyn Williams have pointed out how the lighting is suspiciously perfect for a dingy shipyard. The reddish anti-corrosion paint on the hull pops against the gray concrete. It’s designed to look intimidating, not necessarily accurate.
👉 See also: What Category Was Harvey? The Surprising Truth Behind the Number
Why the "Socialist Great Family" Look Matters
Recently, the vibe has shifted. It’s less about him being a lone general and more about being a "father of the people." This is where his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, comes in.
Starting around late 2022 and exploding through 2024 and 2025, she’s basically a co-star in every major photo op. You’ve probably seen the ones from the New Year’s 2026 celebration where she’s kissing his cheek.
- The Intent: It softens the dictator image.
- The Reality: It signals a dynasty that isn't going anywhere.
- The Controversy: Some locals reportedly found the public displays of affection "uncomfortable" or even "disgusting" because North Korean culture is traditionally very reserved.
How to Spot the Edits in Kim Jong Un Pictures
You don't need to be a CIA analyst to spot the weirdness. Sometimes the state media gets sloppy. In the past, they’ve been caught "cloning" hovercraft to make an invasion look bigger.
But nowadays, the edits are more subtle. They use specific camera angles—usually shooting from slightly below—to make Kim look taller and more imposing. It’s a classic trick used in cinematography to give a character "authority."
Wait, check out the backgrounds too. Notice how the people around him—the generals, the factory workers—are always frantically scribbling in notebooks? That’s not a coincidence. Every picture is a staged performance of "On-the-Spot Guidance." If they aren't writing, they aren't "learning" from the Great Leader.
✨ Don't miss: When Does Joe Biden's Term End: What Actually Happened
The Three Portraits
Something massive happened in May 2024. For the first time, North Korean state media released photos of Kim Jong Un’s portrait hanging right next to his father (Kim Jong Il) and grandfather (Kim Il Sung).
This was a huge deal in the world of North Korean watchers. Before this, he was always "the successor." Now, the pictures prove he considers himself an equal to the "demigods" of the past.
Dealing with the Censors
Journalists like David Guttenfelder, who spent years traveling to Pyongyang for the AP, have talked about how minders would constantly check their digital cameras. If you took a photo that cut off a statue’s head or made the leader look tired, it was deleted instantly.
Basically, the only "real" Kim Jong Un pictures that exist are the ones the regime wants you to see. Even when foreign agencies like AFP or Reuters have bureaus there, they are often working with North Korean staff who know exactly where the "red lines" are.
If you’re looking at these photos for news, you’re looking at a carefully curated version of reality.
🔗 Read more: Fire in Idyllwild California: What Most People Get Wrong
What You Can Actually Learn From the Photos
Despite the fakery, these images are a goldmine for intelligence.
- Health Tracking: Analysts look at the "Kim Jong Un pictures" to track his weight. When he lost a lot of weight a few years back, it sparked global rumors. When he gained it back in 2025, it told a different story about his lifestyle.
- Military Tech: Look at the background of missile tests. Often, North Korea accidentally reveals the location of a "secret" facility because of a mountain range or a specific building in the distance.
- Succession: The way Kim Ju Ae is positioned—sometimes even in the center of the frame while her father is off to the side—is a loud signal that she is being groomed for power.
How to Analyze the Media Yourself
Next time a new batch of photos drops from KCNA, don't just look at the man. Look at what’s not there.
Check for "ghosting" around the edges of people (a sign of Photoshop). Look at the shadows—do they all point the same way? If the shadow of the missile is going left but the shadow of the leader is going right, you’ve caught them in a lie.
Also, notice the clothing. Kim has shifted from the "Mao suit" of his grandfather to more modern, leather trench coats and Western-style jackets. It’s all a calculated move to look like a modern CEO of a nuclear-armed state.
Actionable Insights for the Curious:
- Follow 38 North: This site is the gold standard for analyzing North Korean imagery without the hype.
- Cross-Reference: Always compare KCNA photos with satellite imagery from Google Earth or Planet Labs to see if the "new factory" actually exists.
- Ignore the Headlines: Most "shocking" photos are just propaganda. Focus on the secondary details like who is standing closest to Kim; that tells you who is currently in favor and who might be about to "disappear" from the next set of pictures.