North Korea's Kim Jong-un might assume the title of chairman in April, according to speculation based on recent political activities and a two-year campaign of deification.
Speculations are rising that Kim Jong-un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, may officially be designated as the state chairman in April. This theory stems not from any announcement by North Korean officials, but rather from the ongoing worship campaign that has intensified over the last two years, coupled with recent political developments that suggest this timing. The last leader to hold the title of state chairman was Kim Jong-un's grandfather, Kim Il-sung, and it is noted that his father, Kim Jong-il, avoided such titles, choosing instead to head the military committee.
The deification efforts surrounding Kim Jong-un appear to be gaining momentum and are expected to culminate around the spring of 2024. State media, including the Korean Central News Agency, has reported on a seminar in Pyongyang focused on unifying the party and society with Kim's revolutionary ideology. Testimonies from officials during visits to North Korea indicated that prioritizing the systematization of Kim's revolutionary thought is imminent, suggesting preparations for a more formal acknowledgment of his leadership.
In February, Kim's leadership was celebrated at a Workers' Party congress where the party's domestic policies were touted, even as testimonies from defectors and international observers reveal a stark contrast to the idyllic portrayal of the nation. Moreover, state media has been extensively promoting Kim through songs and public displays, indicating a shift towards presenting him as a national figure, aligning him with historical leaders in North Korean propaganda. The current deification campaign reflects the regime's ongoing fascination with enhancing Kim's status as a supreme leader within the ideological framework of North Korean society.
