N. Korean leader uses same gifts as his father

In another apparent move to bolster his rule, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has handed out binoculars and rifles to servicemen in the same way his late father, strongman Kim Jong-il, used to encourage military personnel.
The gifts appeared frequently during Kim Jong-il‘s inspection visits to the military until August 2008, after which they were no longer seen in footage released by the North’s state media.
On Tuesday, however, the (North) Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station aired images of new leader Kim Jong-un giving binoculars and rifles to servicemen at a naval unit.
The young Kim‘s visits to various military units across the country have been featured prominently in the North’s state media since Jan. 1, as the new leader tries to consolidate his power in the regime inherited from his father. Kim Jong-il died of heart failure on Dec. 17, leaving his third and youngest son to continue the dynastic rule.
Kim Jong-un’s young age and apparent lack of experience have reportedly raised doubts about his leadership among the North Korean people, prompting the Pyongyang regime to highlight Kim’s origins by resurrecting memories of his father and grandfather, national founder Kim Il-sung.
“The binoculars and automatic rifles are symbolic gifts that show that Kim Jong-un is the supreme leader, and are aimed at stirring up the loyalty of the military,” said Kim Yong-hyun, a North Korea expert at Dongguk University in Seoul. “They also seem to serve as a reenactment of Kim Jong-il‘s past military inspections ahead of his birthday on Feb. 16.”
The birthdays of North Korea’s past leaders are met with large celebrations across the country. (Yonhap News)