Background Information
North Korea is one of the most mysterious and secretive countries in the world. Officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic Of Korea, the country is located in East Asia and is bordered by Russia, China and South Korea. The state has been led by the Kim dynasty since it was founded in 1948, a dynasty which is currently headed by the current President, Kim Jong Un. Despite its geographical location, North Korea is considered an isolated and oftentimes hostile nation due to its government’s rigid policies and economic sanctions.
Kim Jong Un’s rise to Power
Kim Jong Un assumed power in North Korea after the death of his father in 2011. He is the eldest son of previous leader Kim Jong Il and the grandson of founding leader Kim Il Sung. Since his rise to power, Kim Jong Un has solidified his control over the country, overseeing a transformation of the economy while reaffirming the country’s isolationist path.
Policy Agendas
Kim Jong Un has presided over numerous policy changes in North Korea. These include changes in the areas of domestic and international security, international relations, and economic strategies. Among the more controversial changes to be introduced by Kim Jong Un is the continued development of North Korea’s nuclear weapons arsenal, a policy adopted by the Kim dynasty since the early 1990s.
Economic Policies
In terms of economic policies, Kim Jong Un has focused on liberalizing the economy while encouraging foreign investment. He has instituted a series of reforms aimed at increasing efficiency, such as centralizing and streamlining decision-making, liberalizing prices and wages, and promoting investment in infrastructure and the education system. In recent years, North Korea has sought to diversify its economy by encouraging the growth of industries like renewable energy, software development, and medical services.
International Relations
Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, North Korea’s international relations have improved significantly over the past decade. Despite many years of hostility between the US and North Korea, Kim Jong Un has sought to develop friendly ties with its neighbors, most notably South Korea. In 2018, Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in held a historic summit in Pyongyang, during which the two sides agreed to move toward peace and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.
Sanctions
Despite Kim Jong Un’s efforts to improve North Korea’s international relations and solidify peace on the Korean Peninsula, the country still faces punitive economic sanctions from the international community. Implemented in response to North Korea’s nuclear program and human rights record, the sanctions have had a profound impact on the nation’s economy and the lives of ordinary citizens.
Impact on the Country
Kim Jong Un’s leadership has had a profound impact on North Korea and its people. He has implemented sweeping reforms and opened up the country to foreign investment, while at the same time reasserting the authority of the Kim regime. Under Kim Jong Un’s leadership, North Korea has experienced significant economic growth and improved diplomatic relations with foreign countries.
The Role of Propaganda
In order to keep his grip on power, Kim Jong Un has relied heavily on propaganda. The government has used the state-run media to propagate the cult of personality surrounding the Kim family, which has resulted in a deep reverence for the leaders among the population. Kim Jong Un is portrayed as a benevolent and powerful figure who can protect the country from external threats, while also providing economic stability and prosperity.
Military Power
Kim Jong Un has leveraged his military power in order to bolster his authority and consolidate his rule. Under his leadership, North Korea has continued to develop its nuclear program, which has caused great alarm among the international community. He has also used the country’s extensive military forces to maintain stability within the country and to threaten its neighbors in the region.
Personal Life
Kim Jong Un is married to Ri Sol-ju and has three known children. His personal life has been shrouded in mystery, though reports suggest that he enjoys luxury travel and has an affinity for basketball. Kim Jong Un has also been known to drive cars and have an interest in martial arts.
Legacy
As the current President of North Korea, Kim Jong Un is the leader of a secretive and oftentimes hostile country. Despite its geographical location, North Korea is considered an isolated nation due to its government’s rigid policies and economic sanctions. Kim Jong Un has been credited with leading the nation through economic reforms and improving the country’s international relations. He has also leveraged military power to consolidate his authority and maintain stability within the country, while relying on propaganda to cultivate a cult of personality surrounding the Kim dynasty.
