Kim Jong Un Lookalike Famous For Provoking North Korean Athletes Gets Detained At “2024 Paris Olympics”
Howard Lee, who gained online attention for impersonating North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was removed from a stadium during a 2024 Paris Olympics game.
The man, whose actions have stirred significant controversy, was seen on video cosplaying as Kim Jong Un while striking a Winnie the Pooh stuffed animal, an image that many interpret as a jab at Chinese President Xi Jinping, who has been compared to the character in memes.
The incident took place within clear view of the North Korean athletes, who, despite the provocative nature of the act, chose to avoid confronting the man, instead turning away and ignoring him.
This wasn’t the man’s first public appearance as Kim Jong Un. He had previously drawn attention online by wandering the streets of Paris in his costume, even posing for selfies with another individual dressed as former U.S. President Donald Trump. These images and videos, which were shared on his personal Instagram account, quickly went viral, adding to his notoriety.
On August 10, the man revealed through his Instagram account that he had been detained by French authorities following the incident. He claimed that although he hadn’t broken any laws, he and his companions (including the person cosplaying as Trump) were searched and had their passports checked before being escorted out of the venue. According to him, the security personnel didn’t find his antics amusing, resulting in their removal from the stadium during a critical match between France and Spain.
Got detained by French police after this video was made although we didn’t break any laws. Whilst being detained, they frisked me, “#Trump” and my film crew and checked our passports then kicked us out of Parc des Princes stadium during the gold medal match between France and Spain. Although everyone found us entertaining, this one particular security security guy did not. We were not allowed to watch the rest of the match and 6 security “escorted” us out.
— Kim Jong Un Lookalike
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While some foreign audiences found humor in his actions, Korean netizens were quick to condemn the act, labeling it reckless and dangerous. Many pointed out the potential consequences for the North Korean athletes, whose reactions, or lack thereof, could have severe implications for them and their families back home.
