Scores of Kim Jong-il badges found at hotel near Incheon airport

Police said Thursday they are investigating scores of Kim Jong-il badges found at a hotel near Incheon International Airport, South Korea's main gateway.

Grand Hyatt Incheon, located right next to the airport, reported to police at around 6:25 a.m. that the coin-sized lapel pins were found in front of the hotel. There were a total of 196 badges, according to police.

The production and distribution of lapel pins bearing the images of North Korea's two late leaders, Kim Il-sung and his son, Kim Jong-il, are in line with the regimes' efforts to build a personality cult around its leadership.

(Yonhap)

Kim Jong-il, who ruled the reclusive country from 1994 through 2011, is the late father of incumbent leader Kim Jong-un.

Police said they have reported the matter to related agencies, including the country's intelligence agency and the military, and have launched a joint investigation into the matter. (Yonhap)