We all know something about him, do we not? North Korea remains one of the most secretive and closed-off countries in the world. Information rarely flows freely in or out, making it difficult to get a clear picture of life there. Yet, despite this, reports have surfaced about severe hardships faced by the people, such as widespread hunger and harsh winters. Much of this suffering has been attributed to overspending on the military. This trend extends beyond North Korea, as seen in how military budgets in countries like the USA can impose significant economic strain.

However, if Kim Jong Un were truly the “worst man alive,” as many claim, would he have managed to hold onto power for this long? This is not a defense of his actions or policies. Rather, it is an exploration of the idea that perhaps there are far more harmful actors on the global stage. Let us discuss what Kim Jong Un has not done.

All these horrific acts were carried out by others, often backed or executed by powerful nations or organizations with far-reaching influence. The focus here is not to shift blame but to shine a light on how narratives are shaped. These entities have successfully embedded in our minds that Kim Jong Un is the most nefarious villain, while their own dark histories remain cleverly hidden or downplayed.

Consider how the media has led us to view Kim Jong Un as the ultimate threat, distracting from atrocities committed elsewhere. It is not about denying his wrongdoings. Indeed, he has committed plenty of human rights abuses and engaged in ruthless political maneuvers. However, compared to the global scale of destruction wrought by other players, his actions pale in comparison.

The real tragedy lies in how skillfully these powerful organizations mask their sins and manipulate public perception. Kim Jong Un’s vilification, while sometimes deserved, is just one example of how beliefs are implanted in us. We have defended ideas that we thought were our own, when in reality, they were constructed narratives fed to us over time.

Ultimately, it is crucial not to accept ideas uncritically. Always question the information presented to you and be cautious of mistaking widely held beliefs for undeniable truths. Understanding how effortlessly hypocrisy can influence our thinking helps us safeguard our perspectives and ensure that our views remain authentically our own.