[Key Points] Kim Jong-un reshapes North Korea in his own image

Kim’s era ascends: North Korea is increasingly recasting state identity around Kim Jong-un, while reducing the prominence of symbols and narratives tied to Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il. Songun pushed aside: State media gave unusually muted treatment to the Aug. 25 anniversary linked to Kim Jong-il’s military-first doctrine, mentioning “Songun” only once and placing coverage on page two. Legacy redirected: Kim Jong-il was still praised, including for helping build North Korea into a nuclear power,