Seoul (AsiaNews/Reuters) - North Korea's Kim Jong-il has grown in stature, thanks to a pair of platform shoes that increased the Dear Leader's height by about 12cm, a leading South Korean daily has reported.
The Dong-a Ilbo published a recently obtained photograph of a smiling Mr Kim that shows him wearing a pair of platform shoes with heels 10cm to 12cm high.
Mr Kim's actual height is a closely guarded secret and Pyongyang seldom releases photographs that show his shoes. His height is estimated at between 155cm and 165cm in stockinged feet.
The photo, published yesterday, was taken in 2002 during a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin. A North Korea analyst said Mr Kim boosted his height with platform shoes during his rare meetings with world leaders.
"Platform shoes are an essential item for Kim Jong-il, who fears being ignored when he meets outside leaders and westerners," said Sohn Kwang-joo, chief editor of the Daily NK, a website that follows North Korean news.
"What would North Koreans think if their leader was such a short man? That's why Kim feels he deserves to wear platform shoes, even if they kill his ankles," he said.
