Becoming Kim Jong Un: The Rise to Power of North Korea's Supreme Leader

Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures in the world today. His rise to power has been marked by a series of dramatic events, and his rule has been characterized by both brutality and ambition. In this comprehensive article, we will delve into the life and career of Kim Jong Un, exploring the factors that have shaped his leadership and the challenges that he faces.

Early Life and Education

Kim Jong Un was born on January 8, 1983, in Pyongyang, North Korea. He is the third and youngest son of Kim Jong-il, the former Supreme Leader, and Ko Yong-hui, a dancer. Kim Jong Un's early life was shrouded in secrecy, but it is believed that he attended the Kim Il-sung University, where he studied physics and economics. He also spent time studying in Switzerland, where he reportedly developed a fascination with Western culture.

Rise to Power

In 2010, Kim Jong-il publicly announced that Kim Jong Un would be his successor as Supreme Leader. This announcement came as a surprise to many, as Kim Jong Un was relatively unknown at the time. However, Kim Jong-il had been grooming his son for leadership for several years, and he was confident that Kim Jong Un had the qualities necessary to rule North Korea.

Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer's Insights into North Korea's Enigmatic Young Dictator

by Jung H. Pak

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24851 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	315 pages

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Kim Jong Un's rise to power was swift and decisive. After his father's death in December 2011, he was immediately declared Supreme Leader of North Korea. He was just 27 years old at the time, making him the youngest leader in the world.

Consolidation of Power

Kim Jong Un's first years in power were marked by a series of purges and executions. He eliminated potential rivals within the government and military, and he ruthlessly suppressed any dissent. He also established a cult of personality around himself, demanding absolute loyalty from the North Korean people.

Kim Jong Un's consolidation of power was also marked by a significant increase in the country's nuclear and missile programs. He ordered a series of nuclear tests and missile launches, which raised tensions with neighboring countries and the international community.

Foreign Policy

Kim Jong Un's foreign policy has been characterized by a mixture of belligerence and diplomacy. He has repeatedly threatened to use nuclear weapons against the United States and its allies, but he has also engaged in dialogue with South Korea and other countries.

Kim Jong Un's most significant diplomatic achievement was the meeting between himself and President Donald Trump in Singapore in 2018. The summit resulted in a vague agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, but little progress has been made on this issue since then.

Domestic Policy

Kim Jong Un's domestic policy has been focused on economic development and social control. He has introduced a series of economic reforms, including the establishment of special economic zones and the encouragement of foreign investment. He has also cracked down on corruption and crime.

Kim Jong Un has also prioritized the development of the country's education and healthcare systems. He has increased funding for these areas and has introduced new policies to improve the quality of education and healthcare for the North Korean people.

Challenges and Controversies

Kim Jong Un's rule has been marked by a series of challenges and controversies. The country's economy remains stagnant, and the people of North Korea continue to suffer from poverty and malnutrition. The country's human rights record is also abysmal, and Kim Jong Un has been accused of ordering the execution of thousands of political prisoners.

Kim Jong Un's nuclear and missile programs have also been a major source of concern for the international community. The United States and other countries have imposed sanctions on North Korea in an effort to pressure it to abandon these programs, but Kim Jong Un has refused to budge.

Kim Jong Un is a complex and enigmatic figure who has ruled North Korea with an iron fist since 2011. His rise to power has been marked by both brutality and ambition, and his rule has been characterized by a mixture of economic development, social control, and foreign policy brinkmanship. Kim Jong Un faces a series of challenges and controversies, including the country's stagnant economy, its abysmal human rights record, and its nuclear and missile programs. It remains to be seen how Kim Jong Un will navigate these challenges and what the future holds for North Korea under his leadership.

Becoming Kim Jong Un: A Former CIA Officer's Insights into North Korea's Enigmatic Young Dictator

by Jung H. Pak

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	24851 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	315 pages

FREE