Kim Jong Un: statesman and all-around normal guy?

While this view is unlikely considering Pyongyang's reputation as a nuclear-armed pariah state, the North Korean leader, who until last week hadn't left his isolated nation since taking power in 2011, has embarked on a surprise campaign to improve his country's image. In the span of a week, Kim met China's leader and the head of the International Olympic Committee and took in a performance by some of rival South Korea's top musical stars.

But is an image makeover really the top priority for the North Korean leader? Experts say it's unlikely, and the flurry of meetings, events and diplomatic activity is merely a facade for more strategic goals, including the dividing of allies and the easing of biting sanctions amid the U.S.-led "maximum pressure" campaign of President Donald Trump.