Typhoon Approaches, North Koreans Told To Protect Kim Jong-Un Portraits

North Korea has urged its citizenry to do everything necessary to safeguard the portraits of the Kim dynasty as the country braces for heavy rains and severe winds from typhoon Khanun.

The official newspaper of the ruling Korean Workers’ Party, Rodong Sinmun, claimed that the ‘foremost focus’ of citizens should be ensuring the safety of propaganda photos of North Korea’s current leader, Kim Jong-un, his father, Kim Jong-il, and his grandfather, Kim Il-Sung.

The state-run newspaper also asked North Koreans to protect the Kim dynasty’s sculptures, monuments, mosaics, and paintings, which have ruled the country since its founding in 1948.

It should be mentioned that Pyongyang, the capital city, is highly sensitive to the situation as portraits of the dynasty can be found in several homes and offices.

According to the publication, citizens may face possible prosecution if they fail to safeguard the portraits during a disaster, such as a fire.

“Let’s not forget that North Korea among other things is a theocratic state”, said a professor at Kookmin University.

“These statues and portraits are not just symbols but are sacred religious symbols – essentially icons. Every religion since times immemorial expects its faithful to be ready to die – or at least suffer – in order to save sacred icons”, the professor added.

Meanwhile, hundreds of South Koreans were evacuated from coastal areas on Thursday as the storm pummeled the country’s southern provinces. Cumulative rainfall in some areas has topped 400mm, with wind gusts reaching 126 km per hour, flooding villages, schools, and streets.

According to the interior ministry, approximately 16,000 people were evacuated, but 60 percent of them had returned to homes as of 6 am on Friday. In addition, around 350 flights and 450 rail lines were impacted.

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