The Case of Kim Jong Il's Missing Portaits

This article shows the importance of perception in North Korea. Kim Jong Il is using something as minor as paintings of himself in order to directly affect foreign perception, as most of the removed portraits came from places frequented by foreign visitors. However, this move, coupled with the downplaying of the "dear leader" title, may show a softening Kim Jong Il. However, the actions taken by the dear leader, both in domestically and internationally, have not helped to support this softer view. Perception can't fix everthing.