Kim Jong Il

Interesting facts and descriptions on the Dear Leader.

Indeed, it is questionable whether his popular "irrational mad-man" image illustrated throughout the world is really a true reflection of the man who succeeds in leading his people to have utter 'faith' in him; utter loyalty and reverence. From our readings though, there seems to be other aspects of the Leader that works to inspire his people, especially his gift of practically incomprehensible senses for taste and hearing.
But still, in the article, it mentions how Kim Jong Il also follows international events closely through internet. He must surely then be in knowledge of how he is being perceived by the rest of the world. One would think, as a leader of a country, he would seek to change his appearance to create a better image to portray to the outside world; say, maybe try to look more charismatic, legitimate, authoritative etc., not just for his sake but for his people's sake too. By this I mean, maybe people of the world would be more 'understanding' if Kim did look like such a character for people to follow him unquestioningly. It is not so reasonable and superficial, I know, but a country's leader does seem to have some bearing on how the world perceives his country and countrymen.
But clearly, Kim seems to take no notice of his 'crazed-out' image, whether intentionally or not it is hard to know. Kim may want to be viewed as this irrational crazy person, totally unstable and unreliable. Such image does add fear to the outside world in some respect; no one can predict his behaviour or assume about his motives; there is not a clear direction to take to deal with such a character.
But even if it was not tended, there seems to be no reason to why he should care really when at home he is worshiped like a god, however he looks.