SINGING soldiers and flower shows marked the birthday of the man dubbed North Korea's "invincible brilliant commander" by state-controlled media, as regional powers wondered whether he would abide by a nuclear deal.
The communist world's first dynastic leader, Kim Jong-Il, 65, is the unchallenged head of the reclusive state whose economy has fallen deeper into poverty during his years in power.
North Korea reached a deal earlier this week to shut down its sole nuclear reactor in exchange for energy aid as well as other economic and diplomatic incentives if Kim decides to scrap his country's nuclear arms programme.
With nuclear weapons, impoverished North Korea gets a seat at the table with global powers including the United States - the nation it argues is trying to topple it and causes it to sacrifice so much to maintain its armed forces of 1.2 million.
Kim's main priority is to stay in power and his media has credited him with forcing the US to make concessions through the nuclear agreement.
He is seen as a deity at home, where thousands danced in the streets of Pyongyang yesterday to mark his birthday and the military hosted a gala, with song and dance numbers for tunes such as My Happiness is in the Bosom of the Respected General.
Outside North Korea, Kim is seen as man with a bouffant hair-do, drab jumpsuit and platform shoes who has done little to help his starving people and has let the country's industry stagnate.
Like his father, he has constructed a cult of personality.
On becoming leader, the younger Kim declined to assume the title of president, instead designating his father "eternal president" and opting to rule as chairman of the National Defence Commission and head of the ruling party. He has also reportedly been honoured with 1,200 other titles.
North Korea's official media has said flowers come into bloom when he appears and rainbows fill the sky on his birthday.
He is, it is said, a man who pilots jet fighters,
has penned operas, produced films and accomplished a feat unmatched in the annals of professional golf, shooting 11 holes-in-one during the first round he ever played.
On previous birthdays, the "Wonders of the February holiday" have included sunrises so brilliant that frost exploded with the sound of firecrackers, rainbows appeared and frozen lakes thawed with such a noise that it caused mountains to shake.
Although South Korean and foreign analysts say Kim was born in the Soviet Union, official media say he was born at a revolutionary camp on Mount Paektu, a northern mountain on the Korean peninsula that many Koreans consider sacred.
They claim a double rainbow appeared when he was born.
Some of the 1,200 official titles bestowed upon Kim Jong-Il
I actually have that song dedicated to Kim; it is quite catchy, in an Orwellian dystopia, soul destroying, existence negating kind of way.Eternal Bosom of Hot Love ?
!!!
That is my title. My attorneys will be notified.
1.
Scullion, Canada
Well Said! :)
What a great idea to write songs about your leader, how patriotic, I sugest we all think of some songs for Blair!
I will begin writing one now, the title will be Glorious Leader of wanton destruction.
Yep. Article on a despotic leader of a country who lavishes himself with luxury while millions of his people starve yet you dont criticise him but do blair. The world is going mad.
5. Oliver tsk tsk, I was having a laugh, dont be so serious. Of course I know what a cruel and evil despot the creepy Kim is whats left to say?
I do find the songs dedicated to him funny though, it tickled me to read the titles.
5. Oliver F, UK
I'll Echo that Oliver, good of you to notice.
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