| | | Awkward moment Putin becomes 'subordinate' to Kim Jong-Un during North Korea visit (msn.com)
 Daily Express
Putin and Kim Jong-un try to usher each other into car in North Korea
In a striking display of dominance, Kim Jong-Un made Vladimir Putin appear as his subordinate during the Russian president's visit to North Korea, an expert has claimed.
The elaborate red-carpet reception for the Russian President, who may have a body double, revealed underlying power dynamics, with Kim asserting his superiority.
When Putin landed in Pyongyang for his first visit in 24 years, Kim greeted him with an extravagant ceremony. Despite the outwardly friendly gestures, a subtle struggle for dominance unfolded, as observed by body language expert Professor Erik Bucy.
Video footage captured the awkward moment when both leaders repeatedly insisted the other enter the limousine first. Ultimately, Putin conceded, with Kim grinning as he walked around to the other side.
"What looks like a friendly welcome is really a dance to determine dominance among two nefarious authoritarians", Bucy told the Sun.
"Kim's insistence on leading reinforced Putin's status as a client and Jong-Un's as the host and supplier."
NKOREA-RUSSIA-DIPLOMACY© Getty
The expert added that Kim's actions placed Putin in an awkward position, undermining the macho image the Russian leader has cultivated.
"This cringe moment evokes the social hierarchy of a couple on a date, where the dominant partner demonstrates chivalry by opening the door for the other, who accepts the role of second banana," Bucy said.
Throughout the visit, Kim continued to assert his upper hand. During an overly friendly handshake, Kim pulled Putin into a "bro hug," establishing a personal intimacy that signaled equality rather than deference.
Bucy said: "Kim regards Putin not as having higher status but as an equal. Putin manages to grimace through the small talk, pretending to enjoy it.
"It had to be incredibly awkward for Putin, who fashions himself the supreme leader of the old Soviet order, to be led into Jong Un's car like that." |
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