Kim Jong Un facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un
Kim in 2023
General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea
Incumbent
Assumed office 11 April 2012
Preceded by	Kim Jong Il
President of the State Affairs Commission
Incumbent
Assumed office 29 June 2016
First Vice President	Choe Ryong-hae
Vice President	Hwang Pyong-so Pak Pong-ju Choe Ryong-hae Kim Tok-hun
Premier	Pak Pong-ju Kim Jae-ryong Kim Tok-hun Pak Thae-song
Preceded by	Himself (as First Chairman of the National Defense Commission)
Other offices held First Chairman of the National Defense Commission In office 11 April 2012 – 29 June 2016 Vice Chairman Kim Yong-chun Ri Yong-mu Jang Song-thaek O Kuk-ryol Choe Ryong-hae Hwang Pyong-so Premier Choe Yong-rim Pak Pong-ju Preceded by Kim Jong Il (as Chairman) Succeeded by Himself (as President of the State Affairs Commission) Member of the Supreme People's Assembly In office 9 April 2009 – 11 April 2019 Constituency Paektusan 111
Personal details
Born	(1983-01-08)8 January 1983 or 1984 (age 42 or 43)
Political party	Workers' Party of Korea
Spouse	Ri Sol-ju ​ (m. 2009)​
Children	2 unconfirmed, 1 confirmed: Kim Ju Ae
Parents	Kim Jong Il Ko Yong-hui
Relatives	Kim family
Alma mater	Kim Il Sung University Kim Il Sung Military University
Signature
Military service
Allegiance	North Korea
Branch/service	Korean People's Army
Years of service	2010–present
Rank	Konghwaguk Wonsu
Korean name
Hangul	김정은
Hanja	金正恩
RR	Gim Jeongeun
MR	Kim Chŏngŭn
IPA
Central institution membership 2012–present: Member, Presidium of the Political Bureau of the 6th, 7th, 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea 2012–present: Member, Political Bureau of the 6th, 7th, 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea 2010–present: Member, 6th, 7th, 8th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea Other offices held 2012–present: Chairman, Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea 2010–2012: Vice Chairman, Central Military Commission of the Workers' Party of Korea Supreme Leader of North Korea ← Kim Jong Il (Current holder)

Kim Jong Un (born 8 January 1983 or 1984) is a prominent political figure in North Korea. He holds important leadership roles, serving as the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and the President of the State Affairs Commission. He is part of the well-known Kim family, being the third leader of North Korea. His father, Kim Jong Il, was the previous leader, and his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, founded the country.

Kim Jong Un studied in Switzerland and later attended universities in North Korea. He became the country's leader after his father passed away in 2011. Since then, he has taken on many top positions, including leading the military.

Under his leadership, North Korea has focused on developing its economy and its military, especially its nuclear program. He has also met with leaders from South Korea and the United States to discuss peace and other important issues. There have been reports and concerns about how people are treated in North Korea under his rule.

Growing Up and Education

Kim Jong Un was born on January 8, either in 1983 or 1984. While North Korean sources say 1982, other countries believe it was later. Some think his official birth year was changed to connect him symbolically to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung.

He is the second of three children born to Ko Yong Hui and Kim Jong Il. His older brother is Kim Jong Chul, and his younger sister is Kim Yo Jong. Kim Jong Un is the grandson of Kim Il Sung, who founded North Korea in 1948. Kim Jong Un is the first North Korean leader to be born in North Korea itself.

Many of Kim Jong Il's children, including Kim Jong Un, lived and studied in Switzerland for some time. Kim Jong Un reportedly attended a public school in Köniz, near Bern, from 1998 to 2000. He used the name "Pak-un" or "Un-pak" and was said to be the son of an embassy employee.

The Liebefeld-Steinhölzli public school in Köniz, Switzerland, where Kim Jong Un reportedly studied.

At school, he was described as a student who enjoyed basketball. He was also a fan of the American National Basketball Association and players like Michael Jordan. Friends said he was shy and liked sports and computer games.

After his time in Switzerland, Kim Jong Un attended Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang from 2002 to 2007. He earned degrees in physics and as an Army officer from the Kim Il Sung Military University.

Becoming a Leader

For a while, it was thought that Kim Jong Un's older half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, might become the next leader. However, this changed over time.

Kenji Fujimoto, who was Kim Jong Il's personal chef, shared some insights. He believed Kim Jong Un was favored by his father because he showed strong leadership qualities. Fujimoto mentioned that Kim Jong Un was very determined and enjoyed sports.

In 2009, news reports suggested that Kim Jong Il had chosen Kim Jong Un as his successor. People in North Korea were encouraged to show loyalty to him. He was given the title "Brilliant Comrade."

Joining the Military Leadership

On September 27, 2010, Kim Jong Un was promoted to a high military rank, similar to a four-star general. This was notable because he didn't have much prior military experience. The next day, he was named vice chairman of the Central Military Commission. This move clearly showed he was being prepared to take over from his father.

In October 2010, Kim Jong Un appeared alongside his father at a major Workers' Party celebration. This public appearance further confirmed his role as the future leader.

Leading North Korea

When his father, Kim Jong Il, passed away on December 17, 2011, Kim Jong Un stepped into leadership. He was quickly recognized as the "great successor" and the "outstanding leader" of the country. State media used special terms to describe him, similar to those used for his father and grandfather.

On December 24, 2011, he was publicly declared the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army. He was formally appointed to this position on December 30, 2011. This confirmed his role as the top leader of North Korea's military.

People bowing to the statues of Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, April 2012.

In April 2012, Kim Jong Un was elected as the First Secretary of the Workers' Party. He also took over his father's role as Chairman of the Central Military Commission. Later that year, in July, he was promoted to the highest active military rank, konghwaguk wonsu, meaning "marshal of the republic." This further solidified his position as the top military leader.

In March 2014, Kim Jong Un was elected to the Supreme People's Assembly, North Korea's main legislative body. He ran unopposed, and all voters reportedly approved his election.

Leadership Style

Kim Jong Un has shown a different leadership style compared to his father. He has appeared more often in public and seems more open. For example, he attended a concert that included elements of Western pop culture, which was unusual. He also introduced his wife to the public, a first for a North Korean leader.

People in Pyongyang watching Kim Jong Un on North Korean TV, 2015.

Analysts note that Kim Jong Un often uses his resemblance to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, to connect with the public. He gave his first New Year's address in 2013, a tradition his grandfather followed. He also appears more active in public, participating in various activities.

In April 2012, when a satellite launch failed, the government publicly admitted it. This was a rare event. In May 2014, after an apartment building collapsed in Pyongyang, state media reported that Kim Jong Un was very upset. They used strong words of "profound consolation and apology," which was also unusual.

Public Image and Influence

Kim Jong Un often takes part in activities that connect him to the public image of his father and grandfather. He frequently travels around the country, offering "on-the-spot guidance" at different locations. North Korean state media often calls him "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un" or "Marshal Kim Jong Un."

In January 2012, a large rally was held by the Korean People's Army to show loyalty to Kim Jong Un. In April 2012, he gave his first public speech during a military parade. This speech later became the basis for a song dedicated to him.

Changes in Government Structure

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has made changes to its government. He has increased the influence of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and reduced the power of the military. In May 2016, the WPK held its first major meeting since 1980. At this meeting, Kim was reelected as the party leader, and his title was changed to Chairman.

The country's constitution was also updated in June 2016. The National Defence Commission was replaced by the State Affairs Commission, which became the top leadership body. Kim became the Chairman of this new commission. These changes meant that the government now included more civilian members and fewer military officials.

In January 2021, the WPK held another important meeting. Kim Jong Un delivered a long report where he discussed economic challenges. He was reelected as party leader, and his title was changed to General Secretary, a title previously held by his father and grandfather.

North Korea has also changed the names of some government offices to present itself as a "normal state." For example, the Ministry of People's Armed Forces was renamed the Ministry of Defence. In November 2021, reports suggested that the term "Kimjongunism" was being used, indicating an effort to establish his own unique ideas for the country.

Economic Development

Kim Jong Un has promoted a policy called byungjin, which means developing the national economy and the country's nuclear weapons program at the same time. This is similar to policies used by his grandfather in the 1960s.

In 2013, new economic measures were introduced to give businesses more freedom in their activities. Another focus was on agriculture, with a new system that reportedly helped increase food production on some farms.

North Korean media has described the economy as a "flexible collectivist system." These reports show Kim's goal of improving living standards by reforming how things are managed and encouraging economic activity.

Portraits of Kim Jong Un's father and grandfather (Arirang Festival mass games in Pyongyang).

There has been a lot of new construction in Pyongyang, bringing colorful and creative buildings to the city. Kim Jong Un's government has built amusement parks, water parks, skating rinks, a dolphinarium, and a ski resort. He has also encouraged a consumer culture, including entertainment and cosmetics. He has overseen the building of tourist attractions in the country.

Kim has tried to improve North Korea's food supply. In March 2023, he called for increasing agricultural production across all farms.

Concerns and Reports

Reports about officials being removed from their positions are often difficult to confirm. In December 2013, Kim Jong Un's uncle, Jang Song-thaek, was arrested and faced serious consequences. State media warned that the army would not forgive those who disobeyed the Supreme Commander.

There have been concerns and reports about how people are treated in North Korea. In January 2013, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called for an investigation into the human rights situation. A report in February 2014 suggested that Kim could be held responsible for serious actions against humanity.

In July 2016, the United States Department of the Treasury placed personal sanctions on Kim, citing his involvement in human rights issues. In June 2017, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized North Korea's government after the death of American student Otto Warmbier, who had been imprisoned there. However, in 2019, President Trump stated he did not believe Kim was responsible for Warmbier's death.

Nuclear Weapons Development

Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has continued to develop nuclear weapons. They conducted tests in February 2013, January and September 2016, and September 2017. As of 2023, North Korea had carried out many missile tests.

According to analysts, North Korea believes its nuclear weapons are important to prevent attacks. In 2012, Kim Jong Un said that "the days are gone forever when our enemies could blackmail us with nuclear bombs." In 2015, he stated that his family had made North Korea a "powerful nuclear weapons state."

In 2016, Kim Jong Un said that North Korea would not use nuclear weapons first unless other aggressive forces used them to invade. However, North Korea has also threatened "pre-emptive" nuclear attacks in certain situations. In 2017, North Korea tested its first intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM). The United Nations Security Council has placed sanctions against North Korea because of its nuclear and missile programs.

In 2022, North Korea updated its law on nuclear weapons. It now states that nuclear attacks would be launched automatically if the top leadership or nuclear control system were attacked.

Foreign Relations

China

Kim Jong Un with CCP General Secretary Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin prior to the start of the 2025 China Victory Day Parade.

Relations with China initially faced challenges due to North Korea's nuclear weapons program. China condemned North Korea's nuclear tests and enforced UN sanctions.

However, the relationship began to improve in March 2018 when Kim visited Beijing to meet with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. This was his first foreign trip since becoming leader. They met several more times in 2018 and 2019. In June 2019, Xi Jinping visited Pyongyang, the first visit by a Chinese leader since 2005. On September 2, 2025, Kim Jong Un attended the 80th anniversary of the China Victory Day Parade in Beijing, marking his first attendance at a large international event.

South Korea and the United States

In his 2018 New Year Speech, Kim Jong Un expressed openness to talks with South Korea and to participate in the Winter Olympics there. The communication hotline between Seoul and Pyongyang was reopened. North and South Korea marched together in the Olympics opening ceremony and formed a united women's ice hockey team. Kim also sent a high-level delegation, including his sister, Kim Yo Jong.

Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in shake hands during the 2018 inter-Korean Summit, April 2018.

At the April 2018 inter-Korean summit, Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a declaration. They pledged to work towards a peace treaty to formally end the Korean War. They also had a second meeting in May.

Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump shake hands at the start of the 2018 North Korea–United States Summit, June 2018.

On June 12, 2018, Kim held his first summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore. They signed a declaration committing to peace and nuclear disarmament. This was the first time leaders from North Korea and the United States had met.

In September 2018, Kim met with Moon Jae-in again in Pyongyang. Kim agreed to dismantle North Korea's nuclear facilities if the United States took similar steps. They also agreed to create buffer zones along their borders to prevent conflicts.

In February 2019, Kim held another summit with Trump in Hanoi, Vietnam. However, these talks ended without an agreement. On June 30, 2019, Kim met with Trump again in the Korean DMZ, expressing hope for peace. Despite these meetings, negotiations on denuclearization largely stalled by 2020.

In December 2023, Kim stated that North Korea would no longer pursue efforts to reunify Korea, calling South Korea an "enemy." He said the relationship between the two Koreas was now one of "hostile states."

Russia

Kim meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin during the North Korea–Russia Summit, April 2019.

On April 25, 2019, Kim held his first meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok. Kim Jong Un sought Russia's help in resolving nuclear discussions with the U.S.

North Korea has supported Russia's actions in Ukraine, blaming the "hegemonic policy" of the US for the conflict. In September 2022, US intelligence reported that Russia was purchasing artillery shells and rockets from North Korea. Trade between North Korea and Russia has increased since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kim with Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu at a parade in Pyongyang, 27 July 2023.

Kim with Vladimir Putin at Vostochny Cosmodrome, September 2023.

In July 2023, Russian Minister of Defence Sergei Shoigu visited North Korea for the 70th anniversary of the end of the Korean War. He met with Kim Jong Un. In September 2023, Kim Jong Un visited Russia, meeting with Vladimir Putin at the Vostochny Cosmodrome. During this meeting, Kim expressed support for Russia's actions.

Reports indicate that North Korea has exported over one million shells to Russia since August 2023. In February 2024, Kim received a car as a gift from Putin. Four months later, Putin visited Pyongyang and held talks with Kim. They signed the North Korean–Russian Treaty on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, an agreement for close mutual defense cooperation. In October 2024, North Korea sent military personnel to Russia to assist Russian units.

COVID-19 Pandemic Response

During 2020, Kim claimed success in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in North Korea by isolating the country and limiting public gatherings. In April 2020, a three-week absence from public view led to rumors about his health, but no clear evidence of serious illness emerged. He appeared less often in public in the following months, possibly due to health concerns or the risk of COVID-19.

In September 2020, Kim toured areas affected by Typhoon Maysak. He also replaced a local official and ordered recovery efforts. In January 2022, a North Korean documentary addressed Kim's weight loss, stating he had "suffered" for the people during 2021.

North Korea claimed to have no COVID-19 cases until May 2022. However, some experts doubted this claim. In May 2022, North Korea announced its first COVID-19 outbreak. Kim ordered a nationwide lockdown and the use of emergency medical supplies. Hundreds of thousands of fever cases were reported, with some deaths. Kim blamed the crisis on incompetence and irresponsibility within party organizations. In August 2022, Kim Yo Jong suggested that Kim Jong Un had contracted the virus.

Personal Life

Personality

Kenji Fujimoto, Kim Jong Il's personal cook, described Kim Jong Un as very similar to his father in appearance and personality. Kim is a big fan of basketball, with his favorite teams including the Chicago Bulls and the Los Angeles Lakers. On February 26, 2013, Kim Jong Un met basketball player Dennis Rodman.

According to experts, Kim Jong Un shows more interest in the well-being of his people and interacts with them more than his father did. South Koreans who met him in April 2018 described him as straightforward, humorous, and attentive. Donald Trump, after meeting him, said Kim was a "talented man" who "loves his country very much" and had a "great personality."

Wealth

Reports suggest Kim has many luxury palaces across North Korea, a large collection of luxury cars, a private jet, and a yacht. Dennis Rodman described a private island owned by Kim Jong Un as being like "Hawaii, Ibiza, or Aruba."

In 2012, it was reported that luxury goods were becoming more visible in North Korea after Kim Jong Un took over. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, was photographed with what appeared to be an expensive handbag. In 2018, he reportedly received two armored luxury cars through various means.

Health

In 2009, reports suggested that Kim Jong Un had diabetes and high blood pressure. Like his grandfather and father, he is also known to smoke cigarettes.

In April 2020, Kim was absent from public view for 20 days, leading to rumors about his health. In June 2021, after another month-long absence, observers noted he had lost a considerable amount of weight. In July 2024, South Korea's spy agency reported that Kim had regained weight and was facing health issues related to obesity, including high blood pressure and diabetes.

Family

On July 25, 2012, North Korean state media announced that Kim Jong Un was married to Ri Sol Ju. They reportedly married in 2009 and had a son in 2010. Dennis Rodman reported in 2013 that they had a second child, a daughter named Kim Ju Ae. South Korean intelligence sources believe the couple had a third child, a daughter, in February 2017.

Kim (holding envelope) with Chung Eui-yong. Kim's sister Kim Yo Jong (on the right) is said to be very close to him.

On November 18, 2022, Kim Jong Un was seen with his daughter Ju Ae while reviewing military arsenals. She has since regularly accompanied him. In February 2026, South Korea's intelligence agency suggested that Ju Ae, then around 13 years old, was his designated successor. This assessment was based on her more prominent appearances in state media and alleged involvement in policy discussions.

Kim is sometimes accompanied by his younger sister, Kim Yo Jong. She is believed to play a key role in shaping his public image and organizing events for him.

On February 13, 2017, Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong Un's exiled half-brother, passed away under unusual circumstances at Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Some reports have linked this event to Kim Jong Un.

Awards and Honors

• Russia:
  • Jubilee Medal "75 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (2020) — awarded for his efforts at preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who died during the Soviet–Japanese War (1945) and were buried in North Korea.
  • Jubilee Medal "80 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945" (2025) — awarded for his great personal contribution to commemorating the memory of Soviet citizens who died and were buried on the territory of the DPRK.

Interesting Facts About Kim Jong Un

• North Korean sources say Kim Jong Un was born on January 8, 1982. However, his actual birth year might be 1983. The official date may have been changed for symbolic reasons. 1982 was the 70th birthday of his grandfather, Kim Il Sung. It was also 40 years after his father, Kim Jong Il, was officially born.
• Kim's classmates in Switzerland described him as a shy child.
• He was very good at sports. He loved the American National Basketball Association and Michael Jordan.
• Kim holds the titles of General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and President of the State Affairs.
• In July 2012, Kim was promoted to the highest rank of Marshal in the Korean People's Army.
• North Korean state media often call him "Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un" or "Marshal Kim Jong Un."
• The first official picture of Kim as an adult was released on September 30, 2010. Before that, only one photo of him from when he was eleven was known to the public.
• The term "Kimjongunism" describes an independent set of ideas centered on Kim.

Images for kids

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  A selection of Kim Jong Un's works, translated to different languages

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  North Korean soldiers saluting at the Revolutionary Martyrs' Cemetery in Pyongyang, 2012

See also

In Spanish: Kim Jong-un para niños