Kim Jong Un impersonator returns to Olympics, surprises North Korean cheerleaders
GANGNEUNG, South Korea – A Kim Jong Un impersonator momentarily fooled the North Korean Winter Olympics cheerleading squad into thinking its nation’s leader had turned up at a hockey game on Wednesday night.
The impersonator, who also arrived alongside a President Donald Trump clone at last week's opening ceremony, showed his unmistakable face during the Korean women’s hockey team’s loss to Japan.
According to reporters at the game, the fake Kim walked among the “army of beauties” dispatched south of the border to Pyeongchang and danced along with their chants and songs.
He was swiftly pushed aside by North Korean security staff detailed to guard the women during their visit.
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Yahoo Sports’ Eric Adelson wrote that the impersonator caused “a mix of laughter and disgust” from the cheer squad. The man told Yahoo his name was “Howard” and that he was an Australian living in Hong Kong.
He has previously identified himself as "Howard X," including during the opening ceremony last week when he and the Trump impersonator attempted to get near some of the athletes.
“We tried to sneak into the media section so we could wave to the athletes,” he told the Japan Times. “They didn’t kick us out; we had tickets. A bunch of journalists were chasing us, so security took us outside so we could get to our seats. They were very professional and just doing their jobs. They even provided us with an entourage, so we looked like the real thing, and it caused even more of a commotion.”
On Wednesday, though, Howard X claimed he had been kicked in the shins as he was accosted first by the North Korean security, then stadium security staff, before being taken to a small room by police.
“They shouted something in Korean; I wasn’t sure what it was, and then the police got involved and they dragged me away – they said for my own safety," he told Yahoo. He added: “Enjoy the game, meet the cheerleaders, which I did, and create some good political satire.”
After his meeting with police, Howard X told Yahoo he had been informed he must leave the area while the cheerleaders were present.
“This is seen as the peace Olympics,” he said, and he included a salvo for Trump. “So let’s hope that peace endures and those two idiots stop launching missiles and insults at each other on Twitter.
“I guess everybody has a cause, you know?” he continued. “I have an advantage to advance this cause. I was born with this face.”