Global News Journal

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il says bye-bye bouffant. Hello China?

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il appears to have abandoned his trademark bouffant, relegating one of the world’s most noticeable hair styles to the scrap heap of history.

Reports have said that Kim may travel to China this month for a visit that would be the reclusive leader’s first trip abroad since apparently suffering a stroke in 2008. Kim’s trips to China, his destitute and isolated state’s biggest benefactor and the closest thing it can claim as a major ally, have often led to moves that decrease the security threat Pyongyang poses to the economically vibrant region. This would be Kim’s first trip abroad since falling seriously ill.

Kim changed noticeably in April 2009 when he made his first public appearance after the apparent stroke.

His pot belly pressed less firmly against his muddy shade of grey jumpsuit and his hair had thinned. In photos released by his state’s official KCNA news agency in the following months, Kim is seen putting on a little bit of weight and looking more spry, but his hair still remained thin.