There is nothing like a water park to unwind from life as a ruthless dictator.
Knowing this, Kim Jong Un took a break from his busy autocrat schedule to show his more playful side at a newly-opened coastal resort in North Korea.
While we all hoped to see the despot in his speedos, he instead lounged next to a water slide with a dark suit and a trusty ashtray by his side.
One inaugural holidaymaker at Wonsan Kalma Coastal Tourist Zone was even given the chance to show the Supreme Leader how the slide works – you can’t say they don’t have fun in North Korea.
But things took a turn for the worse for the tourist, when he created a huge splash that even sprinkled the divine ruler himself.
We just hope that isn’t an executable offence in the country that has reportedly banned hot dog soup.
As if the day could not get any more fun, Kim Jong Un got to watch some surfers tumble off their boards in a wave pool alongside his daughter, Kim Ju-ae, and wife, Ri Sol-ju.
The resort on North Korea’s east coast is opening six years behind schedule on July 1, welcoming up to 20,000 visitors a year.
But any Brits hoping to take their minds off World War III fears by taking a relaxed holiday in the secretive police state might be disappointed.
Wonsan Kalma, which boasts 2.5 miles of beachfront, is only open to locals, and likely Chinese and Russian tourists.
North Korea did open up to Western visitors in February, after years of tight Covid restrictions, but then halted tourism weeks later without explanation.
This is all part of a tourism drive to the country.
Always one for a pun, Kim Jon Un ‘expressed belief that the wave of happiness to be raised in the Wonsan Kalma coastal tourist area would enhance its attractive name as a world-level tourist cultural resort’, state broadcaster KCNA said.
The park will ‘play a leading role in establishing the tourist culture’ in the country, he added.
The Kim family’s visit to the coastal resort also revealed that the leader’s wife might have breached a UN sanction.
Ri Sol was seen carrying a Gucci bag, South Korean media reported, which could be a violation of UN rules banning the export of luxury goods to the North.
The dictator might also be hoping the new park and its lavish opening ceremony will distract from woes at home.
In May, he watched in embarrassment as North Korea’s second naval destroyer capsized during a failed water launch.
Kim, who was present at the ceremony, blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for a ‘serious accident and criminal act caused by absolute carelessness, irresponsibility and unscientific empiricism’.
The blundering workers placed a massive blue tarp over the half-sunken ship to cover their mistake.
Get in touch with our news team by emailing us at webnews@metro.co.uk.
For more stories like this, check our news page.
