North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un. PHOTO: REUTERS
Kim, 32, whose country is notorious for a poor record on human rights abuses, is reportedly drawing up lists of a new generation of female companions.
The "pleasure troupes" were a practise introduced by Kim's grandfather, North Korea's founding father and the 'Eternal President Kim Il-sung. However, reportedly, they were disbanded shortly after Kim Jong-Il’s, death in December 2011.
PHOTO COURTESY: THE INDEPENDENT
It is thought that the girls were paid-off, and South Korean newspaper Chosun Ilbo claimed the women were given approximately $4,000 (a huge sum in North Korea) and various household appliances.
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However, he has now decided to revive a source of entertainment -- something that has become a tradition for North Korean leaders.
Government officials would conduct countrywide searches for the most attractive young women, typically taking 30 to 40 every year, who would become singers, maids and/or dancers following an interview with the leader.
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The prettiest one would be expected to become the leader's mistress, eventually to be passed on to a high ranking military or government officials after reaching their mid-20s.
The article originally appeared on The Times of India
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