Howard X, a Chinese political activist who uses his resemblance to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to deliver political messages at international political events, said, "There is nothing as useful as satire when it comes to changing the minds of people who support dictatorships."
According to an interview published by the U.K.'s Metro on the 19th (local time), Howard explained why he has been active as a "fake Kim Jong Un" for 15 years. A Hong Kong–born music producer in his mid-40s, he said he thought "he looked a lot like me" when Kim Jong Un emerged as North Korea's top leader in 2011.
He then posted photos on Facebook mimicking Kim Jong Un and received his first overseas performance offer within two weeks. He even debuted in Israel as an "actor specializing in impersonating Kim Jong Un." In 2018, when the North Korea–U.S. summit between Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump was held in Singapore, he staged a "fake summit," and he has continued to appear at various political events.
Howard said that although impersonating Kim Jong Un is his profession, it is not merely for money. He emphasized that satire serves the cause of defending democracy and is an effective means of driving change. Howard said, "If I had been just one protester holding a placard, I would have been ignored and would not have wielded much influence," adding, "So I chose to use impersonation to draw attention to the cause of democracy, and it was very effective."
He added, "That is precisely why dictators react so sensitively," and argued, "Every dictator fears being mocked."
Howard said approaches like satire can reduce backlash while increasing visibility more than aggressive forms of protest. He said, "As a protester and political activist, I find this activity very useful because I not only want to rally my own side but also change the minds of people who support dictatorial regimes."
But these activities have not always gone smoothly. He was arrested at his home after attending the "Umbrella Movement" in Hong Kong in 2014 dressed as Kim Jong Un. In 2019, he visited Hanoi, Vietnam, where the second North Korea–U.S. summit between Kim Jong Un and Trump was held, but was deported. He even said he had been tailed and assaulted by North Korean agents. He currently lives in Australia, where he holds citizenship.
Howard said he has prepared what he would say if he met Kim Jong Un. He said he would tell Kim Jong Un, "Take your own life and install me as leader. I will free your country."