I wasn't even aware the once very paleo-conservative UPI was still operating, so I don't know what their angle is nowadays and so take this one with a grain of salt. But is still interesting in that it expresses some "fed up, don't want to take it anymore" feelings among the N. Korean populace, a break in the total adoration and respect thing for this Kim

Report: North Koreans annoyed with Kim Jong Un photographs

By Elizabeth Shim @ UPI.com, Dec. 18

[....] Kim's recurring presence in North Korean newspapers like the Rodong Sinmun now means major state visits must be commemorated with dozens of Kim photographs per issue, Daily NK reported Monday [...]

The attention-seeking Kim is drawing criticism from North Koreans, who say he is trying to repair his image following the execution of his uncle-in-law Jang Song Taek.

One North Korea source told Daily NK the "very common" photographs are a problem for smokers.

"People don't like it," the source said. "Among workers, who are looking for spare newspaper to roll up a cigarette, it is becoming increasingly hard to find a fragment without a portrait of Kim Jong Un."

North Korea law forbids people from using pictures of Kim in derogatory ways, and travelers to North Korea have previously told UPI they are not allowed to fold a crease across a picture of Kim's face, or damage an image of him in newspapers.

Kim may be tightening his grip as he concludes his fifth full year in power.

Analysts at Seoul's Institute for National Security Strategy said Monday [....]