Kim Jong Un Overview
Kim Jong Un is a political figure who served as the Supreme Leader of North Korea from 2011 until his death in 2021. He was born on January 8, 1984 (exact year is uncertain), and his birth name was Kim Jong Woon. Kim Jong Un was the third and youngest son of Kim Jong Il, the previous leader of North Korea.
Upon the death of his father, Kim Jong Un assumed power in December 2011. His leadership was marked by a continuation of North Korea’s repressive regime and nuclear ambitions, which included the testing of nuclear weapons and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). His government implemented a policy called “Byungjin,” which emphasized the simultaneous pursuit of nuclear weapons and economic development.
During his tenure, Kim Jong Un engaged in high-stakes diplomacy with other countries, particularly the United States. There were moments of tension and escalation, such as North Korea’s nuclear tests and missile launches, which led to increased international sanctions against the country. However, there were also periods of diplomatic outreach, including historic meetings with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and three summits with U.S. President Donald Trump and one with President Joe Biden.
Kim Jong Un was known for his authoritarian rule, human rights abuses, and tight control over North Korean society. Information about his personal life and the inner workings of the North Korean government was often shrouded in secrecy, making it challenging to gain a complete understanding of his leadership.