North Korea has unveiled what might be leader Kim Jong Un's first official portrait.
The 7-foot-tall painting was on display at the Pyongyang International Airport on Sunday when Kim welcomed Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel for a state visit.
The portrait is seen as an attempt to bolster Kim's personality cult. It's a symbolic measure aimed at raising him to the ranks of his predecessors. Kim's so far been depicted as a successor, rather than a leader himself. Portraits of Kim's father and grandfather are on display throughout the country.
An analyst with NK News told the BBC everything that's happened this year has been done to solidify Kim's image. He speculated Kim's summits with foreign heads of state have likely helped promote him as an "internationally respected statesmen on par with Xi Jinping and Donald Trump" back home.
It's unclear where Kim's official portrait will live from now on.
