Millions worldwide flock to Disneys magical parks yearly, but would you believe even dictators find their way there The story of Kim Jong-Uns childhood trip to Tokyo Disney Resort unveils a surprising chapter in North Koreas secretive history. Amidst Cold War tensions, North Korea emerged as a closed-off regime, starkly contrasting with the capitalist West. The Korean Wars aftermath saw the peninsula divided, shaping North Koreas isolationist stance against Western influence.In a nation culturally cut off from the world, Disneys enchanting tales were a distant dream for North Korean children. However, Kim Jong-Un, son of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-Il, found himself captivated by Disneys allure.The secret sojournWhile North Korea restricted its citizens, the Kims dared to dream beyond borders. Kim Jong-Il orchestrated a covert visit to Tokyo Disney Resort in 1991, orchestrating a daring escape from North Koreas stringent grip.Rumors swirl around the internet suggesting that North Koreas Kim family once visited Disneyland, but separating fact from fiction is no easy task. While tales of the Kim familys visit to Disneyland in California persist, concrete evidence remains elusive. However, reports of their trip to Tokyo Disney Resort in Japan are more substantiated.In 1991, Kim Jong-Il, then North Koreas leader, sought to treat his children to the magic of Disney. Opting for Tokyo Disney Resort over its American counterparts due to proximity and political tensions, the Kim family embarked on an unusual adventure.During the 90s, North Korea leader Kim Jong-ll, and his son and future leader Kim Jong-Un used fake Brazilian passports to travel to Disneyland.These passports were obtained at an embassy in Prague, which allowed the family to travel without suspicion.Brazilian passports were… pic.twitter.com/fnxd0fkEnY— Morbid Knowledge (@Morbidful) May 24, 2024Sneaking into magic kingdomNorth Koreas isolationist policies meant that a trip to Disney was no ordinary affair. To circumvent scrutiny, Kim Jong-Il arranged for fake Brazilian passports, allowing the family to slip into Japan incognito.To evade scrutiny, Kim Jong-Uns family acquired Brazilian passports under aliases, slipping past Japanese immigration unnoticed. Though shrouded in secrecy, the escapade unfolded seamlessly, granting Kim Jong-Un a week of Disney enchantment.International intrigueIn 2001, another chapter unfolded in the saga of the Kim familys attempts to navigate international travel again. This time, it was Kim Jong-Nam, the older half-brother of Kim Jong-Un, who embarked on a journey fraught with deceit and dashed hopes.With a forged passport from the Dominican Republic in hand, Kim Jong-Nam, along with his wife, son, and a possible nanny, set out for Japan. Their destination was shrouded in secrecy, their intentions veiled beneath layers of deception.Their plans unraveled upon arrival when airport officials uncovered the counterfeit passports. The illusion shattered, the Kim familys hopes of traversing international borders swiftly dissipated.Moment of embarrassmentCaught red-handed, Kim Jong-Nam and his entourage faced the humiliating consequences of their failed subterfuge. Their aspirations dashed, they were promptly detained and deported, their clandestine mission thwarted by the watchful eyes of border authorities.Kim Jong-Un, North Koreas Supreme Leader since 2011, displayed an unexpected fondness for Disney. In 2012, he arranged an unauthorized Disney-themed performance in Pyongyang, showcasing characters like Mickey Mouse. This departure from traditional diplomatic behavior hinted at Kims willingness to embrace Western influences, likely influenced by childhood visits to Disney Tokyo Resort. Despite this, he has not shown any intention of opening North Koreas borders to the world, denying its citizens the chance to experience Disneyland.
