Photo of NK leader wearing glasses publicly released

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un appeared at the meeting of political bureau of the communist country‘s ruling Workers’ Party Monday wearing glasses.

He had first appeared with glasses on in October last year at video of a Moranbong band performance on the occasion of commemorating the foundation of the party. North Korea`s Rodong Shimmun posted on November 21 a photo of Kim Jong Un sitting on the podium wearing glasses while reporting the second defense workers contest for the North Korean People`s Army.

Since it is rare for Kim to make public appearance with glasses on, views are that North Korea planned it to implant an intellectual and sincere image of the incumbent North Korean leader. Critics say this was strictly calculated as an image making purpose to wipe out global concerns over the dismissal of Vice Chairman of National Defense Commission Jang Sung Taek who was in charge of North Korea`s economic and market opening policies. Dictators of countries normally use clothes, glasses and hats to do away with negative images.

Some in the South Korean government say this is a part of imitating the late former North Korean leader Kim Il Sung. Ever since Kim Jong Un was designated as successor of Kim Jong Il in 2009, he has appeared in similar body shape, hair style and gestures with Kim Il Sung. Kim Il Sung had worn glasses in most of his public activities. A government official said, "In North Korea, the remarks, actions and appearances of the supreme leader are not made impromptu," adding, "These are high-level political groundworks."