Everyone in the DPRK wears a "Great Leader" lapel pin. While described by
themselves and the outside world as a Marxist state, I think that it is
more accurately described as a totalitarian-theocracy. My contrary nature
convinced me to wear an American flag lapel pin on my second trip there.
When challenged by one of my own group for it, I responded with
"If the citizens can wear their God on the lapels, I can wear my flag".
If my Korean counterparts had any comments concerning my lapel pin, they were
too polite to make them in my presence (or language).
The "Great Leader", Kim Il-sung, ruled the DPRK from 1948 until his death
in July 1994. His son, in a very un-Marxist succession, has inherited the
throne, but has not yet completely assumed power. Formerly referred to as
the "Dear Leader", Kim Jong-il is only recently (late 1995) being referred
to as the "Great Leader" in the local press.
If you have any interest in some totally amateur video I shot in the DPRK, E-mail me for details. It's over 2 hours long and includes Pyongyang, the 50th workers party celebration, and a little of the countryside for $30 US. The worker's celebration alone is well worth seeing. The still photos just don't do it justice.
For more information and some references, click here.
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email me: webmaster@PedroPoint.com 
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Alan D. Miller