Kim Jong Un Fast Facts:
Introduction
Kim Jong Un is the current leader of North Korea, succeeding his father Kim Jong Il after his death in 2011. He was born on January 8 and is believed to be in his mid-30s. Kim Jong Un is the youngest son of Kim Jong Il and his mother is Ko Yong Hui. He is married to Ri Sol Ju and they have three children, including Ju Ae. Kim Jong Un received his education at the Kim Il Sung Military Academy from 2002 to 2007.
Rise to Power
In 2009, Kim Jong Un was named to North Korea’s National Defense Commission. In 2010, he was promoted to four-star general and named vice chairman of the Central Military Commission and the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Following the death of his father in 2011, Kim Jong Un assumed command of the North Korean army. He made his first televised speech in 2012, marking the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, his grandfather. In 2014, Kim Jong Un disappeared from public view for about six weeks, reportedly to have a cyst removed from his right ankle.
International Relations
Kim Jong Un has been the subject of international attention and controversy. He hosted former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman in 2013 and has been known for his unconventional diplomatic approach. In recent years, there have been reports of executions and purges of officials under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung-se stated that Kim had executed 70 officials since coming to power in late 2011.
