North Korean leader Kim Jong UnAPNorth Korean leader Kim Jong Un is ready for his close-up — pores and all.
The diminutive despot’s official high-resolution headshot, which was released Wednesday, appears to be missing any signs of retouching.
It’s common for images of the vain ruler — with his high-and-tight, angled bouffant hair — to show signs of manipulation, though Pyongyang officials deny altering photos.
So the highly detailed and unvarnished image of the 33-year-old leader comes as a surprise.
The freshly minted chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea is wearing a single-breasted, striped suit with a gray tie — a sartorial change from his days in drab so-called “Mao suits” since rising to power in 2012.
Chang Yong Seok, a North Korea expert at Seoul National University, said the North might be trying to sell a more positive image of Kim and his senior officials.
The Korean Central News Agency also released photos of 27 other members of North Korea’s top leadership — 20 in suits and seven in military attire.
But Kim is the only one flashing a toothy smile.
He also is the only one seen without a lapel pin bearing the faces of his grandfather, national founder Kim Il Sung, and father, Kim Jong Il.
One top official was looking much better than some had expected: Ri Yong Gil, who South Korean intelligence officials had said was executed months ago, the AP reported.



