Two Generations of North Korean Leaders: An Iconological Interpretation of the Project of Representing the Political Body

Amirmasoud Cheraghi Afarani

Diplomová práce

Anotace:

This study explores how visual images of North Korean leaders, Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un, serve to reinforce political legitimacy and manage the “anxiety of influence” in an authoritarian setting. Using Isaac Reed’s theory of political authorship combined with Erwin Panofsky’s iconological method, it analyzes official imagery to show how the leader’s body functions as both a "rector” and “actor,” consolidating authority and shaping political narratives. A comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences: Kim Jong-Il is often shown in agricultural scenes, symbolizing daily economic oversight, while Kim Jong-Un is depicted in military contexts, indicating control, deterrence, and technical skill. Despite these thematic differences, both leaders are consistently shown at the center of the images, with subordinates portrayed as a mass lacking individuality, reinforcing hierarchical power. These images consolidate leadership, prevent rival legitimacy, and establish the leader as the main author of political projects.

Abstract:

This study explores how visual images of North Korean leaders, Kim Jong-Il and Kim Jong-Un, serve to reinforce political legitimacy and manage the “anxiety of influence” in an authoritarian setting. Using Isaac Reed’s theory of political authorship combined with Erwin Panofsky’s iconological method, it analyzes official imagery to show how the leader’s body functions as both a "rector” and “actor,” consolidating authority and shaping political narratives. A comparative analysis reveals both similarities and differences: Kim Jong-Il is often shown in agricultural scenes, symbolizing daily economic oversight, while Kim Jong-Un is depicted in military contexts, indicating control, deterrence, and technical skill. Despite these thematic differences, both leaders are consistently shown at the center of the images, with subordinates portrayed as a mass lacking individuality, reinforcing hierarchical power. These images consolidate leadership, prevent rival legitimacy, and establish the leader as the main author of political projects.

Keywords

Anxiety of influence, Actor, Collective identity, Iconology, Individuality, Legitimacy, Natural body, Political body, Representation, Rector.

Jazyk práce: angličtina

Datum vytvoření / odevzdání či podání práce: 28. 4. 2026

Obhajoba závěrečné práce

• Obhajoba proběhla 25. 5. 2026
• Vedoucí: Dr. Werner Binder
• Oponent: doc. Mgr. Pavel Pospěch, Ph.D.

Masarykova univerzita

Fakulta sociálních studií

Magisterský studijní program / obor:
Cultural Sociology / Cultural Sociology