Disney's Mickey Mouse Entertains N. Korean Dictator
It is odd, to say the least, but young North Korean leader Kim Jong-un seems to be a big fan of iconic Disney characters Mickey Mouse, Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, among others.
In a Friday performance broadcasted on North Korea's state TV, American-originated Disney characters pranced about on stage in a concert for Kim, according to The Associated Press. Amid colored spotlights beaming down on stage, the Disney characters danced about as scenes from classic Disney animations – including "Beauty and the Beast," "Dumbo," and "Snow White" – appeared on screens in the backdrop, as seen on still photos shown on state TV.
What is more surprising is that reportedly the new North Korean leader Kim Jong-un himself put together the dancing Disney character team, reported state-run Korean Central News Agency
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Kim Jong-un, who is estimated to be about 28, ascended to power as the Supreme Leader of North Korea in December 2011 when his father, Kim Jong-il, died. Reclusive North Korea is notorious for its anti-American and anti-Western sentiments, regularly demonizing and blaming the United States and its allies for the country's problems. Officially, North Korea and the United States are still at war since the countries agreed to a cease-fire but have never signed a formal peace treaty.
While not much is known about Kim Jong-un, it is confirmed that he attended school in Switzerland and is obsessed with basketball and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan, often drawing sketches of Jordan. He is also said to possess a massive collection of Nike shoes. Besides Jordan, Kim Jong-un is also said to be a fan of English guitarist and singer-songwriter Eric Clapton.
Friday's performance is thought to be the first time that Disney characters have taken the stage for a major event in North Korea that is broadcasted on national TV.
