Came across this article from a couple of weeks back, thought it was interesting... With all the recent tension on the Korean peninsula, I'm sure things aren't easy for Kim Jong Il. Things certainly aren't good for Kim Jong Il impersonators like Kim Young-Shik, who's suddenly become quite unpopular on the streets of Seoul: Korean tensions may torpedo fake Kim Jong Il's career.
Kim is the same height as the Dear Leader, has the same pot belly and unkempt hair, and he has perfectly mastered the gestures - the clapping, waving and that slightly awkward walk.Aw man, give fake Kim Jong Il a break! He's just using his God-given stature, physique and hairline to make an honest living impersonating the North Korean dictator -- for your enjoyment, South Korea. Yeah, kind of pathetic.
He's been hired for wedding and birthday parties, and for roles in advertisements and movies. During the years of the South Korea's "Sunshine Policy," a period of cozying-up to the North, he would be applauded in the street, and people would line up for his autograph and to have their photographs taken with him.
But Pyongyang's recent aggression has changed all that, and Kim's invitations are drying up. It's no longer cool to have Kim Jong Il singing at your wedding. "People tell me to stop making them nervous. I just keep saying, 'I'm sorry,'" he said.
I guess he should have known there wasn't much of a long-term future in a career impersonating the Dear Leader. Alas, if the situation between the Koreas continues to escalate, it looks like Mr. Kim will be hanging up his khaki jumpsuit and funny glasses for good.
