Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of North Korea, is one of the most enigmatic and controversial figures on the global stage. Born into a dynasty that has ruled North Korea since its founding, Kim Jong-un has maintained a firm grip on power through a combination of political maneuvering, military strength, and a pervasive cult of personality. His leadership has been marked by aggressive nuclear rhetoric, severe human rights abuses, and an unyielding control over North Korean society.
Kim Jong-un Net Worth
Estimating Kim Jong-un’s net worth is challenging due to the secretive nature of the North Korean regime and the lack of transparent financial disclosures. However, various estimates suggest that Kim Jong-un’s net worth is in the billions of dollars. According to a 2013 report by South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo, Kim Jong-un’s wealth was estimated to be around $5 billion, with assets spread across various countries, including Switzerland, China, and Luxembourg.
Kim Jong-un’s wealth is derived from a combination of state-controlled enterprises, illicit activities, and personal investments. The regime is known to be involved in counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and arms smuggling, all of which contribute to the leader’s vast fortune. Additionally, the North Korean government controls several luxury goods businesses and engages in cyber activities that generate significant revenue.
Kim Jong-un’s Early Life and Family
Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1984, although the exact date remains a matter of some speculation. He is the third and youngest son of Kim Jong-il, who ruled North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011, and Ko Yong-hui, a Japanese-born ethnic Korean and Kim Jong-il’s consort. Kim Jong-un’s early life was shrouded in secrecy, with very little information available to the outside world.
He is believed to have attended school in Switzerland under a false identity during the late 1990s and early 2000s. Reports indicate that he attended the Liebefeld Steinhölzli School in Köniz, near Bern, where he was described as a shy and reserved student. Despite his privileged background, he reportedly struggled with the language barrier and cultural differences but showed an interest in basketball and video games.
The Kim family is often referred to as the “Kim dynasty,” with Kim Jong-un being the third generation to rule North Korea. His grandfather, Kim Il-sung, founded the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) in 1948 and established a totalitarian regime characterized by a strong personality cult. This tradition was continued by Kim Jong-il and now by Kim Jong-un, who has worked to consolidate his power and maintain the family’s grip on the country.
Kim Jong-un Height, Weight
Kim Jong-un’s physical appearance has been the subject of much speculation and interest, partly due to the controlled image the North Korean state media presents. According to various sources, Kim Jong-un is approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. His weight has fluctuated over the years, with reports suggesting he weighs around 300 pounds (136 kg) as of recent assessments. This fluctuation in weight has led to numerous rumors about his health, with some analysts suggesting he might suffer from obesity-related conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Kim Jong-un’s Relationship Status and Personal Life
Kim Jong-un is married to Ri Sol-ju, a former singer and cheerleader, although details about their relationship are limited. The couple reportedly married in 2009, but their union was not publicly confirmed until 2012 when Ri Sol-ju began appearing alongside Kim Jong-un at official events. They have at least three children, though the exact number and details about them remain secretive. One of their children believed to be a son, was reportedly born in 2010, while a daughter named Kim Ju-ae is said to have been born in 2013.
Ri Sol-ju’s presence in North Korean state media has been carefully managed, and she is often depicted as a supportive and dutiful wife. Her appearances are usually in the context of accompanying her husband to official functions or state visits, and she is rarely seen independently. This controlled portrayal is consistent with the regime’s emphasis on projecting an image of unity and stability within the ruling family.
Kim Jong-un Career
Kim Jong-un’s ascent to power began in earnest in the late 2000s when his father, Kim Jong-il, started grooming him for leadership. Despite being the youngest son, Kim Jong-un was chosen over his older brothers due to a combination of factors, including his perceived loyalty and his father’s belief in his leadership capabilities. In 2009, he was appointed to a mid-level position in the National Defense Commission, signaling his rise within the regime.
In 2010, Kim Jong-un was given the rank of a four-star general and appointed vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party of Korea, further solidifying his path to succession. His public appearances increased, and he was often seen accompanying his father on military inspections and state visits.
Kim Jong-un officially assumed power after Kim Jong-il’s death in December 2011. His initial years as the supreme leader were marked by efforts to consolidate power and eliminate potential rivals. This included purging high-ranking officials, such as his uncle Jang Song-thaek, who was executed in 2013 for charges of treason and corruption. Kim Jong-un’s leadership style has been characterized by a combination of brutality and strategic political maneuvering to maintain control over the military and the party.
Under Kim Jong-un, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs have advanced significantly. He has overseen multiple nuclear tests and the development of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States. These actions have led to heightened tensions with the international community and increased sanctions against North Korea.
Despite his aggressive military posture, Kim Jong-un has also made efforts to engage in diplomacy. In 2018, he met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, marking the first inter-Korean summit in over a decade. Later that year, he held a historic summit with then-U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore, which was followed by a second summit in Hanoi in 2019. While these meetings did not result in concrete agreements on denuclearization, they represented a significant shift in North Korea’s diplomatic approach.
Frequently Asked Questions about Kim Jong-un
Who is Kim Jong-un?
Kim Jong-un is the supreme leader of North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He assumed power in December 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. Kim Jong-un is the third member of the Kim dynasty to lead North Korea, succeeding his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, who founded the state in 1948. His leadership has been characterized by a focus on military strength, particularly nuclear weapons development, and maintaining strict control over North Korean society through a pervasive cult of personality and repressive measures against dissent.
Is Kim Jong-un married?
Yes, Kim Jong-un is married to Ri Sol-ju. Ri Sol-ju is a former singer and cheerleader who began appearing publicly with Kim Jong-un in 2012. Their marriage reportedly took place in 2009, but it was not confirmed until several years later. Ri Sol-ju’s appearances in North Korean state media are carefully managed, and she is often seen accompanying her husband at official events and state functions.
What is the net worth of Kim Jong-un?
Kim Jong-un’s net worth is estimated to be in the billions of dollars, although precise figures are difficult to verify due to the secretive nature of the North Korean regime. Estimates suggest that his net worth could be around $5 billion, with assets and funds reportedly hidden in various countries, including Switzerland, China, and Luxembourg. His wealth is believed to come from state-controlled enterprises, illicit activities such as counterfeiting and drug trafficking, and personal investments.
How many children does Kim Jong-un have?
Kim Jong-un is believed to have at least three children, though details about them are scarce and not officially confirmed. Reports suggest that his first child, likely a son, was born around 2010. Another child, a daughter named Kim Ju-ae, is believed to have been born in 2013. Information about the third child is even more limited, and their identities are kept secret for security and privacy reasons.
What is the zodiac sign of Kim Jong-un?
Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1984, making his zodiac sign Capricorn. Capricorns are often characterized as ambitious, disciplined, and pragmatic, traits that can be seen in Kim Jong-un’s strategic consolidation of power and his focus on maintaining the strength and stability of his regime.
