Kim Jong-un, North Korean soldier and politician, 3rd Supreme Leader of North Korea

Kim Jong-un: Supreme Leader of North Korea and Architect of a Modern Dynasty

Kim Jong-un, born on 8 January 1983, is a pivotal figure in contemporary geopolitics, holding the undisputed titles of Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011 and leader of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) since 2012. His ascent represents the third generation of dynastic rule in the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), a unique form of hereditary succession in a modern state.

He is the youngest son of Kim Jong-il, who served as North Korea's second supreme leader from 1994 until his passing in 2011, and Ko Yong-hui, a prominent dancer and performer. Furthermore, Kim Jong-un is the esteemed grandson of Kim Il-sung, the revered founder and first supreme leader of North Korea, who governed from the country's establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994. This lineage firmly entrenches him within the Paektu Bloodline, a concept central to North Korean ideology that asserts the Kim family's inherent right to rule.

Ascension to Power and Consolidation of Authority

Kim Jong-un's path to leadership became increasingly apparent from late 2010 when he began assuming more public roles and responsibilities. Following the unexpected death of his father, Kim Jong-il, in December 2011, North Korean state television promptly heralded him as the "Great Successor," signifying a seamless and pre-ordained transfer of power. This proclamation was swiftly followed by a series of appointments designed to consolidate his authority across all facets of the state and military.

He holds several paramount titles that underscore his absolute control:

Moreover, he is a key member of the Presidium of the Politburo of the Workers' Party of Korea, the most exclusive and powerful decision-making body in the country. In a significant display of his military might, Kim was promoted to the highest rank of Marshal in the Korean People's Army in July 2012, solidifying his position as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces. North Korean state media frequently refers to him with reverent titles such as "the Marshal" or "Dear Respected Leader," reinforcing the pervasive cult of personality that surrounds the Kim family.

The "Byungjin" Policy: A Dual-Track Approach

Under Kim Jong-un's leadership, North Korea officially adopted the "byungjin" policy, a strategic doctrine emphasizing the simultaneous development of both the national economy and the country's nuclear weapons program. This approach echoes Kim Il-sung's policy from the 1960s, which similarly prioritized concurrent economic construction and national defense. The rationale behind byungjin is to foster economic growth and improve living standards while possessing a robust nuclear deterrent to safeguard national security and deter external threats, particularly from the United States and South Korea.

Governance, Controversies, and International Engagement

Kim Jong-un governs North Korea as a highly centralized totalitarian dictatorship, a system characterized by absolute state control over all aspects of public and private life, suppression of dissent, and pervasive state propaganda. His leadership style has largely perpetuated the deeply entrenched cult of personality established by his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, and continued by his father, Kim Jong-il, which venerates the leader as an infallible and benevolent figure deserving of absolute loyalty.

However, his rule has also been marked by severe human rights concerns and controversial actions:

Economically, Kim has overseen an expansion of the consumer economy, particularly in urban centers, and initiated various large-scale construction projects and tourist attractions, such as ski resorts and new residential districts. Concurrently, he significantly accelerated North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs, conducting multiple nuclear tests and numerous missile launches. These advancements led to heightened tensions with the United States and South Korea, drawing increased international sanctions.

In a notable shift towards diplomacy, Kim Jong-un participated in historic summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018 and groundbreaking meetings with then-US President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019. These diplomatic overtures, the first of their kind between a sitting US president and a North Korean leader, aimed to address denuclearization and improve inter-Korean relations, although concrete breakthroughs remained elusive.

Regarding the global COVID-19 pandemic, Kim claimed complete success in combatting the virus within North Korea, asserting that the country had no cases for an extended period. However, many international experts and health organizations expressed significant skepticism about these claims, citing the country's opaque reporting and limited testing capabilities.

Frequently Asked Questions About Kim Jong-un

When did Kim Jong-un become the Supreme Leader of North Korea?
Kim Jong-un officially assumed the role of Supreme Leader of North Korea in December 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il.
What is the "byungjin" policy under Kim Jong-un?
The "byungjin" policy refers to North Korea's strategic dual-track approach under Kim Jong-un, prioritizing the simultaneous development of both the national economy and the country's nuclear weapons program to ensure national security and economic growth.
What are some major international engagements Kim Jong-un has participated in?
Kim Jong-un engaged in historic inter-Korean summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in 2018, and held unprecedented meetings with then-US President Donald Trump in 2018 (Singapore) and 2019 (Hanoi).
What is the significance of the "Paektu Bloodline" for Kim Jong-un?
The "Paektu Bloodline" refers to the hereditary lineage of the Kim family, tracing back to Kim Il-sung, the founder. It is a fundamental ideological concept in North Korea that legitimizes the Kim family's exclusive right to rule and is central to the pervasive cult of personality surrounding them.