North Korean state media have released high-resolution headshots of more than two dozen top officials in the secretive country, including its leader, Kim Jong-un. Nothing unusual about that.

But one thing, according to Pyongyang observers, appears to be missing: signs of retouching.



It is common for photos of Kim released through North Korea state channels to show signs of manipulation, although North Korean officials deny altering images.

Chang Yong-seok, a North Korea expert at Seoul National University, said the North might be trying to sell a more natural and positive image of Kim and his senior officials after the ruling party congress that ended on Monday.

Elected members and candidates of the politburo of the North Korean Workers’ party. Photograph: AP

He said the authoritarian country might be trying to create an image as a “normal country” that is not that different from others.

Analyst Cho Han-bum, at the Seoul-based Korea Institute for National Unification, said North Korea might be trying to portray Kim as a young leader who is humble yet confident.

More headshots of North Korean officials. Photograph: AP

The state-run Korean Central News Agency also released photos of 27 other members of North Korea’s top leadership – 20 in suits and seven in military uniform. Kim is the only one grinning, and the only one seen without a lapel pin bearing the faces of his grandfather, national founder Kim Il-sung, and father, Kim Jong-il.

One top official was looking much better than some had expected: Ri Yong-gil, who South Korean intelligence officials had said was executed months earlier.