North Korea Propaganda Boss Who Shaped Image of Leaders Dies at 94.

Kim Ki Nam, a propaganda mastermind who played a crucial role in shaping the cult of personality for North Korea's ruling family dynasty, has passed away at the age of 94. Kim dedicated his life to defending and strengthening the ideological purity of the revolution. He rose through the ranks of the Workers' Party of Korea, earning the trust of state founder Kim Il Sung and helping to train talent that would support the state. Kim Ki Nam's influence extended to shaping the country's messaging during the leadership transitions to Kim Jong Il and Kim Jong Un. He held key positions in the party's propaganda apparatus and guided media, directing the state's messaging on a daily basis. Kim Jong Un trusted and relied on him, keeping him in important propaganda positions for years. Kim Ki Nam's role in the propaganda and agitation department made him instrumental in promoting the principles of self-reliance and military-first ideals. The department has been a training ground for the Kim family dynasty, with Kim Jong Il and Kim Yo Jong also having prominent roles. Kim Ki Nam's influence is evident in North Korea's continuous hold on power since the 1940s, achieved in part by shifting its messaging over the years. Initially, North Korea portrayed itself as more prosperous than South Korea, but as South Korea became wealthier and the Soviet Union collapsed, North Korea positioned itself as the protector of the Korean people. The state justified economic struggles as necessary sacrifices to build a nuclear arsenal, blaming the US for stifling its growth through [Extracted from the article]