# Humanizing Villains Showing the Softer Side of North Korea's Kim Jong-il By Andrew Robichaud | Published 2009-05-26 | Pop Culture Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/north-korean-dictator-kim-jong-il References: [nydailynews](http://www.nydailynews.com/news/us_world/2009/05/26/2009-05-26_north_koreas_kim_jong_il_your_average_madman__armed_with_nuclear_weapons.html) & [news.bbc](http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/783967.stm) He may be known as a lunatic and a ruthless dictator, but I bet there are a lot of things the world doesn’t know about Kim Jong-il. The North Korean dictator has been in charge since 1994 and continues to rule with an iron fist. But did you know Kim Jong-il is quite the ladies’ man? Apparently his wit and charm seldom fails when wooing a lady friend. He is also apparently terrified of planes, so all of his traveling is done by train. (My Personal Favorite) Kim Jong-il happens to be a [huge movie buff](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-filmologist). His collection is rumored to have more than 20,000 films in it. His favorites are said to be “Friday the 13th,” “Rambo” and [James Bond](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/saint-mxxxxxx). Everybody has minor details that make us chuckle. I just wouldn’t suggest chuckling in Kim Jong-il’s face. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 1.5/10 - Popularity: 35% | Activity: 3% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Pop Culture](https://www.trendhunter.com/popculture) > [Leaders](https://www.trendhunter.com/leaders) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Humanizing Villains:** Finding the softer side of notorious figures can create a new wave of empathy and understanding in storytelling. - **Charismatic Leaders:** Exploring the hidden personal traits of powerful leaders can challenge existing perceptions and humanize them to the public. - **Unconventional Hobbies:** Revealing unexpected interests of influential individuals can provide unique insights and generate public intrigue. ### Where This Applies - **Film and Entertainment:** Incorporating the personal interests of well-known figures into movies and entertainment can create engaging storytelling opportunities and attract a broader audience. - **Media and Journalism:** Highlighting the human side of controversial leaders can challenge biased narratives and foster a more nuanced understanding of global politics and diplomacy. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Utilizing the unexpected hobbies of public figures in advertising campaigns can capture attention and create a memorable brand image. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Imaginative Character Universe](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/zofriends.md) - [Dramatic Doomsday Bunker Images](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/alastair-philip-wiper.md) - [Human-Like Robot CEOs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/robot-ceo.md) - [AI CEO Humanoids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/mika.md) - [Fashion-Focused Novelty Collectibles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kimmon-collectibles.md) - [Bizarre Transformative Comedy Films](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/chicken-nugget-trailer.md) - [Spirited AI Agents](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-filmologist.md) - [Experiential Kimchi Pop-Ups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/jongga-flavourverse.md) - [Anime Horror-Style Reimaginations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/junji-ito-artwork.md)