Kim Jong Un Channels Pharrell Williams In Stylish Straw Boater

Because He's Happy! The Great Dictator Un-Winds In Pharrell Williams-Style Hat
|

Even a ruthless totalitarian dictator needs a little time to Un-wind now and again.

With a beaming smile, a chic v-neck vest under a dark blazer and a Pharrell Williams-style straw boater, Kim Jong-un looked like a despot without a care in the world as he toured a construction site for a respite centre for scientists in South Pyongan Province, North Korea.

Open Image Modal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un touring a construction site in the South Pyongan Province

Kim's trademark short-sides hair-do was kept under-wraps throughout the tour, but no wisps of black were seen peeking from beneath the straw hat, prompting speculation that the leader may have had a bad haircut.

Open Image Modal

Because he's happy!

Open Image Modal

Which one inspired who?

It is not known when the shots, distributed by the Korean Central News Agency, were taken. But more fun was to follow, with the state news agency reporting on Wednesday that Kim has "provided field guidance to the Ryongmun Liquor Factory".

The drink was "excellently designed it to meet the flavour and taste of the Korean people", KCNA reported Kim as saying.

The jaunty demeanour of the North Korean leader in the pictures released today comes a fortnight after a building collapse in Pyongyang is believed to have killed hundreds of people, prompting a rare apology from the government to the families of the victims.

According to Japan's Tokyo Shimbun newspaper, four design and construction engineers were shot by a firing squad after the disaster, with another military official is believed to have been sent to a concentration camp.

North Korea as Seen by a Tourist
Pyongyang During the Day(01 of24)
Open Image Modal
Pyongyang as seen from the top of the Juche Tower.
Kim Il Sung Square(02 of24)
Open Image Modal
A group of men practice for Arirang, or the Mass Games, in Kim Il Sung Square
Mansudae Grand Monument(03 of24)
Open Image Modal
North Koreans pay their respect to the leaders at the Mansudae Grand Monument.
Kim Il Sung's Birthplace(04 of24)
Open Image Modal
Students lay flowers down at Mangyondae, Kim Il Sung's birthplace.
Schoolboys(05 of24)
Open Image Modal
Kids waiting in line to see Kim Il Sung's birthplace pose for a picture.
A Friendly Send-off(06 of24)
Open Image Modal
Dozens of students crowd the bus and wave as we leave Kim Il Sung's birthplace.
Pyongyang from the Yanggakdo Hotel(07 of24)
Open Image Modal
Early morning view of Pyongyang from our room in the Yanggakdo Hotel.
Yanggakdo Hotel(08 of24)
Open Image Modal
The lobby on our floor in the Yanggakdo Hotel. Smoking is allowed.
Swinging (09 of24)
Open Image Modal
Kids enjoy a ride at the Mt. Taesong Amusement Park in Pyongyang during the May Day or International Workers' Day celebrations.
Mt. Taesong Amusement Park(10 of24)
Open Image Modal
School kids stand patiently in line for their turn.
Flower girl(11 of24)
Open Image Modal
A girl sells flower in the Mt. Taesong Amusement Park during May Day.
Father and Daughter(12 of24)
Open Image Modal
A man and his daughter smile for a picture while amidst a large group dancing and celebrating in Moranbong Park.
Proud Father (13 of24)
Open Image Modal
A father displays his baby to the camera.
Kaesong Street(14 of24)
Open Image Modal
Like many streets in North Korea, this intersection in Kaesong is wide and empty.
Paying Respect(15 of24)
Open Image Modal
A recently married couple walk up the steps to pay their respect to The Great Leader in Kaesong.
Vintage Kaesong (16 of24)
Open Image Modal
A view of traditional housing in the old city quarter of Kaesong.
Rest Stop on the Way to Pyongyang(17 of24)
Open Image Modal
A herd of sheep graze behind a rest stop located between Kaesong and Pyongyang.
Pyongyang Children's Palace(18 of24)
Open Image Modal
The grand lobby of the Pyongyang Children's Palace.
Chongsan Cooperative Farm(19 of24)
Open Image Modal
A woman and her twin granddaughters outside their home at the Chongsan Cooperative Farm.
Pyongyang Film Studio(20 of24)
Open Image Modal
Our cameraman walks through a film set at the Pyongyang Film Studios.
The West Sea Barrage(21 of24)
Open Image Modal
A view of the West Sea Barrage, a dam separating the Taedong River from the West Sea.
Kim Jong Suk Nursery(22 of24)
Open Image Modal
Kids at play at the Kim Jong Suk nursery.
Class Presentation(23 of24)
Open Image Modal
Kids sing a song about visiting the doctor at the Kim Jong Suk nursery.
Dance Performance (24 of24)
Open Image Modal
Children perform for the visiting tourists at the Kim Jong Suk nursery.