Photoshopping Kim

AFP/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Following on from the previous post, here is the photograph referred to in the FT story that purports to show a healthy Kim Jong Il at a football match. As in a couple of other images released at the same time, his left arm is immobile, feeding speculation that he is recovering from a stroke. An earlier picture, released at the beginning of the month was also greeted with skepticism. This one shows the diminutive, luxury-loving dictator standing with a group of soldiers.

KCNA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES

Others have pointed this out, but while we're on the subject I thought I'd note too that the photoshopping skills of the North Koreans--an area where you'd think it would be safe to assume they have expended considerable time and energy--are pretty subpar. Kim's shoes don't match. Judge for yourself:

KCNA/AFP/GETTY IMAGES