If you thought the press had gotten its fill of fawning over North Korea’s ruling elite, the Daily Beast and Newsweek are here to disabuse you of that notion.
Ivanka Trump was in South Korea over the weekend for the Winter Olympics, and some in the press used her appearance as an opportunity to speak glowingly of Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong, who attended the opening ceremonies.
The Daily Beast’s Donald Kirk, for example, wrote that it was a tie between which of the two women won the diplomatic game.
“Ivanka Trump may be President Trump’s answer to the Olympics visit by Kim Jong Un’s younger sister — she certainly matched the North Korean in smiles and style — but which de facto ambassador won the charm offensive at the Winter Games?” he wrote. “The result might be a draw.”
Newsweek’s Jessica Kwong wrote elsewhere that, “Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, captured hearts during the Winter Olympics opening ceremony. She was dubbed North Korea’s Ivanka, stealing the spotlight from stern U.S. Vice President Mike Pence, who was under direct orders to shun the North’s propaganda campaign.”
When reporters talk about “charm offensives” and the idea that Kim Yo Jong “captured hearts,” the spotlight, etc., keep in mind they’re mostly talking about their own reactions. Remember: A charm offensive can only be successful if it charms the media. Here’s hoping the rest of the world isn’t as easily impressed by the mere appearance of Kim’s sister, as if her smile could undo the murderous and psychopathic nature of the regime she works for. Just call hers the face that launched a thousand nukes.
If it makes Kirk and Kwong feel any better, they’re not alone in writing about the high priestess of the North Korean regime in weird, off-putting terms. They’re actually a little late to the game. Several newsrooms debased themselves during the opening ceremonies with glowing coverage for Kim’s sister.
“Kim Jong Un’s sister is stealing the show at the Winter Olympics,” read one CNN headline. Reuters ran a headline that read, “North Korea judged winner of diplomatic gold at Olympics.” The New York Times went with this: “Kim Jong Un’s sister turns on the charm, taking Pence’s spotlight.”
Remember: Kim Yo Jong didn’t say a single word publicly. Nothing. She showed up, signed a guestbook, had dinner with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and attended the opening ceremonies. She also smiled. A lot. Ivanka Trump, on the other hand, had a lengthy discussion with South Korea’s president wherein she called for “maximum pressure” on North Korea. President Trump’s eldest daughter also attended the games, posed with U.S. athletes, and participated in media interviews.
Yet, reporters declared Kim Yo Jong the diplomatic “winner” before the games had even concluded, and some are still saying it. And all because she showed up. Something tells me the younger Kim was going to be declared “winner” regardless of what she did.
