Since it was founded in 1948, North Korea has become one of the most reclusive states on earth. The government controls the flow of information to its citizens who are neither allowed to travel abroad nor access the outside world through the internet.
Over the past seven decades, the Kim family has led an authoritarian state, using the Korean Central News Agency to distribute official images. In October 2010, Portuguese art director João Rocha launched Kim Jong Il Looking at Things on tumblr, showcasing propaganda photos of Supreme Leader surveying his empire.
The curious scenes of Kim in his trademark sunglasses and thick coif looking at biscuits, rubber boots, and jars of instant soup with the same pride as Louis XIV surveying Versailles quickly became an internet sensation. Their distinct mixture of formality, sincerity, and banality made the images instant camp — and ripe pickings for the newly emerging meme culture.
A photo released by KCNA shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visits a fruit farm in South Hamkyong Province
First published in 2012, JBE Books re-released Kim Jong Il Looking at Things earlier this year. Although Kim Jong-il died in 2011, his legacy still holds intrigue, and North Korea still feels shrouded in mystery. “It’s a fascination for the unknown. We can’t have real access, so we can only imagine the hidden and mysterious,” says David Desrimais, Director of JBE Books.
“But also it is spectacularly grotesque in our modern eyes: the construction of the leader, giant portraits of three generations, massive propaganda, parades, missiles launches, international relationships, and so on,” adds Desrimais. “This is all very theatrical in a terrible way.”
The repetitive nature of these official photographs only adds to their allure. Although the propaganda is transparent, it reveals nothing at all. Elevated to icon status, Jong-il can do as he pleases with subtle aplomb as he leads various contingents of military officials and dark-suited men in proud appraisals of watermelon, children, and geese. 
This undated photo released by North Korea’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on May 8, 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il (C) visiting the Rakrang Ponghwa Garment Factory in Pyongyang
After Kim Jong-il died, Martin Parr and Gerry Badger selected images from João Rocha’s archive for The Photobook: A History, Volume III, writing: “It ranges from the sublime to the ridiculous, but the unconscious humour in the images derive from the fact that, no matter how humble the object, each picture has been given the same portentous, formulaic treatment.”
“The photos give us insight into how they want to be seen inside and outside the country. The rest is pure fantasy and suppositions,” Desrimais says. “We have the feeling of seeing a glance at this secret country and [a desire] to laugh at the same time.”
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visits Ryongsong Foodstuff Factory in Pyongyang in this picture released by North Korea’s KCNA news agency on January 24, 2010
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visits a newly built home at Liberation Mountain in this undated picture released by the North’s official KCNA news agency in Pyongyang November 26, 2010
Kim Jong Il Looking at Things is available on JBE Books.
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
Sepia splashed memories of Britain’s ’90s squatting and free party scene
Bygones — Moving into a Hackney squat at the age of 19, Tom Hunter spent years living on London’s edges, while documenting the vibrant, creative community and culture that it enabled. Huck’s art director Sam White chats to him about the freedom that existed, the collectivism and what’s been lost over the decades since.
Written by: Samuel White
A melancholic portrait of youth, rebellion and womanhood in Iran
And They Laughed At Me — Newsha Tavakolian has worked as a photographer all her adult life, as Iran underwent change, upheaval and conflict. Her new photobook explores the formative years of her eye and art amid generational strife, hope and disappointment.
Written by: Miss Rosen
The real life mermaids of Florida’s Weeki Wachee Springs
Old Florida — A relic of pre-Disney tourism in the state, the show – which sees women perform athletic underwater tricks in a natural spring – has been running since 1947. Jack Burke attends, while reflecting on the fragility and fantasy of old America.
Written by: Jack Burke
The intricate, clandestine art of Japan’s traditional tattoos
Irezumi — Having emerged during the Edo Period centuries ago, inking skin has long been associated the country’s working class, and particularly Yakuza. A new book by Manami Okazaki explores the history and deep meaning of the practice, as well as the horishi who dedicate their lives to the needle.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Road tripping across 1970s America
73 Trip West — In 1973, Larry Racioppo set out from Brooklyn to California, armed with a medium format camera. For the first time in over half a century, roadside photographs from his trip have been unearthed.
Written by: Miss Rosen
New exhibition spotlights the ongoing impact of Japanese Women Photographers
1950s to Now — Taking place at The Photographers’ Gallery in London, it showcases work by 27 artists from the past seven decades including Mikiko Hara, Yurie Nagashima and Mao Ishikawa.
Written by: Isaac Muk
