Kim Jong Un – The Iconic Leader of North Korea
Since the death of his father in 2011, Kim Jong Un has become the world’s most iconic North Korean leader. He is the third member of the Kim family to rule over North Korea, and he has proven himself to be an adept leader who has largely managed to keep his people content and his country stable, despite the ever-threatening international scrutiny of its nuclear weapons program. Kim has taken a strong, hand-on approach to running North Korea, from the public display of his authority and the closely guarded national constitution, to the increasing levels of foreign investments and global trade.
However, many are still unsure of Kim’s grip on power. Despite frequent appearances on state television, Kim rarely speaks to the public, opting instead to rely on military leaders and senior government figures to deliver his messages. Kim is also known as a strict and uncompromising leader, unwilling to give up any control of the nation’s policy or economic development. He has managed to maintain support beyond his inner circle through a combination of patronage, fear and economic advances, while overseeing the elimination of perceived enemies of the state and silencing the opposition.
The Kim dynasty has been closely linked with the notion of a strong and unified Korean nation, and many attribute this to their success on the world stage. Kim Jong Un has taken his father’s doctrine of ‘Military-first politics’, and applied it to the development of North Korea’s weapons program. Despite many efforts to entice North Korea to abandon their nuclear ambitions, Kim has held firm in his commitment to developing a powerful nuclear arsenal, making it clear that North Korea will not bow to external pressure.
Kim has also sought to engage with the international community, often via diplomatic meetings with envoys from other nations. This has seen him visit China, hold summits with US President Trump, and even mediating disputes between other countries. His recent peace efforts between North and South Korea, as well as his commitment to denuclearization, have been seen as positive steps towards creating a more harmonious Korean peninsula.
However, it hasn’t all been a smooth ride for Kim. He has become increasingly authoritarian, leading to accusations of human-rights violations and oppressive rule. His government has been heavily criticized for social controls, restrictions on free speech and the lack of civil and political liberties, while the United Nations has accused him of war crimes and crimes against humanity.
North Korea is seen by many as an enigmatic hermit kingdom, shrouded in secrecy, prejudice and fear. But, despite the many challenges and questions that surround the country, there is no denying that it is Kim Jong Un who is running North Korea. His tight grip on power, his firm stance on foreign relations, and his drive to improve the lives of his people suggest that, for the foreseeable future, Kim will remain North Korea’s unifying and unchallenged leader.
Kim Jong Un’s International Relationships
Despite North Korea’s isolation from much of the global diplomatic arena, Kim Jong Un has sought to broaden the country’s international relationships, with the goal of establishing better relationships with other nations. At the core of this strategy has been his pursuit of diplomatic dialogue as a platform towards a more co-operative international environment.
Kim’s diplomatic maneuvers have seen him visit China, Russia, and South Korea, as well as hold bilateral meetings with the US President, Donald Trump. These meetings have seen him discuss the prospect of denuclearization, and work towards more peaceful relations between North and South Korea. His willingness to engage in international diplomacy has been warmly received by world leaders, and seen as a positive sign for peace in the region.
Kim has also sought to expand North Korea’s relationships in the economic arena, forging new partnerships with other nations and offering opportunities for businesses to invest in the country. These efforts have met with positive responses from international organizations, and highlights North Korea’s willingness to pursue a more open and cooperative international policy.
However, while Kim has pushed to open diplomatic channels, many believe that North Korea’s presence in the international arena is still limited. It remains to be seen whether these channels can bring a more permanent peace agreement, one that is more encompassing of all countries in the region.
In the meantime, Kim Jong Un has sought to forge better relationships with the international community, and the progress he has made in this aim has been impressive. He has demonstrated a commitment to constructive and diplomatic dialogue, displaying his willingness to seek peace and create a more unified Korean peninsula.
North Korea’s Political Structure and Policies
North Korea’s political structure is underpinned by the leadership of Kim Jong Un, who exercises control over all aspects of government. He is supported by the National Assembly and a selection of his closest advisors and confidants. Together, this team formulates and implements domestic and foreign policies, often in a manner which serves to continue Kim’s ideological mission and secure his grip on power.
Given North Korea’s closed status, little is known about its daily governance, other than the presence of its leader. Kim’s influence is evident in the way he has been able to propagate his “Military-first” policy, and is credited with the nation’s continued nuclear development and its refusal to abandon its nuclear weapons programme.
Domestically, Kim has focused his attention on modernizing infrastructure and improving the quality of life for his citizens. North Korea has implemented a five-year plan to finally secure universal public access to electricity, extend the health and education systems, and start a series of new construction projects. The government has also taken steps to increase trade and foreign investment, as well as sign joint development agreements with other countries.
Kim has also been working towards a more open political system by inviting foreign journalists to explore the country and hold interviews with senior officials and citizens. His efforts have met with some success, with the Western media paying closer attention to North Korea, leading to some positive developments such as the breaching of the 53-year armistice between the two Koreas.
The policies and structures implemented by Kim Jong Un have had both positive and negative results. While his domestic efforts have been appreciated by his citizens, his hardline stance on foreign and global issues have been widely criticized by other world leaders. However, it is undeniable that Kim Jong Un is the leader of North Korea, and his influence and policies will continue to shape the future of the nation.
The Impact of Kim Jong Un on North Korea
Since Kim Jong Un took the reins, North Korea has been increasingly isolated from much of the global community. The nation continues to suffer from acute economic problems, and its external relations remain strained with the West, in particular. Despite this, Kim is using his position to slowly steer North Korea towards a more stable future.
His rule has seen some progress in the economy, with market reforms and private enterprise slowly being embraced. Kim has also worked towards a more open political environment, inviting foreign exposure to the nation through the media and cautiously engaging in dialogue with the US. These efforts, while small, present hope for a brighter future for North Korea.
Kim’s influence has also spread beyond the countries borders. He is widely regarded as an influential international figure, capable of brokering and negotiating global deals with world leaders. His willingness to engage in peace talks, as well as his drive to strengthen the Korean nation, have been seen as a positive force within the region.
Kim Jong Un’s influence on North Korea is evident in the policies and reforms he has implemented. His presence and leadership have had both positive and negative effects, and the results of his tenure remain to be seen. However, it is clear that by engaging in diplomacy, developing his economy and maintaining strong connections with the people of North Korea, Kim is working towards a more secure and stable future for his country.
The Future of North Korea Under Kim Jong Un
Given the current climate, it is difficult to say what the long-term effects of Kim Jong Un’s leadership will be. His current policies seem to focus on bringing North Korea as close to the international community as possible, while maintaining its strong ideological roots. Kim has openly called for developed nations to invest in North Korea, and for joint projects to help the nation “join the ranks of the prosperous”.
At the same time, Kim has been less willing to back down on domestic policies, in particular those relating to human rights and freedom of speech. He has also publicly announced that North Korea will continue to pursue its nuclear program. This has been met with criticism from the international community, who believe that North Korea should abandon its weapons programme in order to foster better relations with other nations.
Whilst Kim’s approach to foreign and domestic policy has seen its successes, many remain uncertain about the future of North Korea. The divided nature of the Korean peninsula, combined with Kim’s hardline stance on nuclear power and human rights, make it difficult to predict what the country’s course will be in the long-term.
Nonetheless, Kim Jong Un’s influence and authority over North Korea remain unchallenged. His grip on power and his commitment to the nation’s security and prosperity indicate that, for now, the future of North Korea rests in the hands of its enigmatic leader.
The Sanctions Implications on North Korea
The increasingly isolated state of North Korea has led to the imposition of numerous international sanctions, aimed at pressuring the nation to abandon its nuclear programs. These include trade embargos, travel restrictions and asset freezes. Since their introduction, the sanctions have had a dramatic effect on the North Korean economy, causing an estimated US$2–3 billion in losses each year.
Despite the sanctions, Kim Jong Un and his government remain resolved in their commitment to their nuclear program and are willing to face international repercussions in order to stay true to their ideals. North Korea has thus far managed to survive the sanctions, in part due to foreign investment from China, which has allowed them to overcome some of the economic losses.
It remains to be seen whether the sanctions will bring change to North Korea, but given the recent changes in the peninsula, it appears that Kim Jong Un is determined to remain in power and maintain the nation’s hardline stance on foreign policy. It is clear that, in the absence of proper negotiations and diplomacy, the international sanctions imposed on North Korea are unlikely to have a substantial effect on Kim’s leadership and his nation.
The Popularity of Kim Jong Un in North Korea
Kim Jong Un’s ascension to power in North Korea has been met with much public support from its citizens. Kim is popularly hailed as a benevolent leader and is regarded as providing a platform for peace and stability, with his foreign policy achieving a level of success in the region.
His presence is widely felt in the nation, and despite the lack of freedom of speech, Kim is widely supported by the people of North Korea. His ideologies of a strong and unified nation, and his commitment to the improvement of domestic conditions, have resulted in him being revered by many of his citizens.
However, despite his popularity, Kim remains a leader who is unwilling to compromise on his principles. His continued insistence
