These days, the North Korean authorities are heavily promoting Kim Jong Eun’s supposedly decisive role in the December 12th launch of satellite “Gwangmyungsung-3.” However, Kim is also perceived rather differently; although not wholly unpopular, he has recently acquired the name “General Soimae” after the hero of a very popular 1990s cartoon for children called “The Boy General.”
A source from North Hamkyung Province explained the story to Daily NK on the 26th, saying, “In Chosun, people of all ages like the kids cartoon ‘The Boy General.’ Now, it is popular to refer to Kim Jong Eun as ‘General Soimae’ after the hero, and to call his orders ‘General Soimae’s orders.’”
“Giving Kim Jong Eun the name ‘General Soimae’ is indicative of the people’s assessment of him,” the source added. “A man with limited interest in their wellbeing who, just like Soimae, is only good at fighting. It is a fitting name for an inexperienced leader.”
The story shows the limited respect and loyalty felt for Kim Jong Eun by a lot of ordinary people, while also offering a way to express annoyance at the policies of a regime that many continue to feel is being led by a man who “doesn’t know the ways of the world.”
The source also commented on a key difference between the present day and the situation under the leadership of Kim Jong Il. “In the past, if you expressed even the most minor aggravation or complaint at Kim Jong Il it was punished as a violation of the ‘Ten Principles (for the Establishment of the One-Ideology System),’” he explained. “However, there are relatively few cases of punishment for criticizing Kim Jong Eun, so disparaging words about him are becoming more popular.”
“The Boy General” was first shown in North Korea in the late 1980s, and 100 parts were eventually made. According to defectors, few people could be found on the streets when the show, which was even exported to France, was on TV.
