Kim Jong Un has been the leader of North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011. If Kim Jong Un dies, who would be the leader of North Korea?
This question has been in the minds of many people ever since Kim Jong Un came to power. North Korea is a single-party state, meaning that the leader of the ruling party, the Workers’ Party of Korea, is also the leader of the nation. As such, if Kim Jong Un dies, the new leader of North Korea would be the party’s chosen successor.
The question of who would take over leadership in such a situation has sparked much speculation. According to Dr. Daniel Pinkston, a scholar at the International Crisis Group, the most likely successor would be Kim Jong Un’s sister, Kim Yo Jong. This would make her the first female head of state in North Korea’s history. Kim Yo Jong has already been given a variety of important duties in the North Korean government, including the vice chairmanship of the Workers’ Party, which makes her well-prepared to take the job if the need arises.
However, according to Dr. Pinkston, Kim Yo Jong is not the only possible successor. Other potential candidates include Kim Pyong Il, an uncle of Kim Jong Un, and Choe Ryong Hae, the Secretary of the Workers’ Party. While Kim Pyong Il may not have the political clout needed to take the lead, Choe Ryong Hae has recently been given a number of important positions and is seen as a possible contender to succeed Kim Jong Un.
Experts also point out that North Korea’s system of dynastic succession suggests that if Kim Jong Un dies, his son, Kim Jong Chul, could be the next leader. Kim Jong Chul is the eldest son of Kim Jong Un, and the Kim dynasty has held power in the country for three generations. By tradition, the eldest son of a previous ruler is in line to become the next leader of North Korea.
The fact that North Korea is a closed society makes it difficult to predict who the successor would be if Kim Jong Un dies. It is likely that the ruling Workers’ Party will choose a new leader from among the key politicians in the party. While it is impossible to say for certain who will take over the reins of power, most analysts agree that Kim Yo Jong appears to be the most likely contender.
Background of Kim Jong Un on Power
Kim Jong Un assumed power when his father, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011. He is the first North Korean leader to have been born after the nation’s foundation in 1948. Since then, Kim has led an autocratic government focusing primarily on developing the nation’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs. In recent years, Kim has focused on expanding North Korea’s control in East Asia, while cracking down on dissent at home.
Kim has been critical of the United States, accusing the country of seeking to invade North Korea and demonizing the nation’s leaders. He has also pursued an increasingly aggressive policy towards his southern neighbor, South Korea, enlisting the help of China in an effort to pressure the South into acquiescence. Kim is an enigmatic figure, and his leadership has been described as both tyrannical and unpredictable.
Current Political Environment in North Korea
North Korea is one of the most isolated countries in the world, with a heavily censored state-run media and few international connections. The country is also one of the most repressive, with citizens facing harsh punishments for dissent. There is no independent civil society or political opposition in North Korea, and access to the internet is limited to a privileged few.
Politically, North Korea has long been dominated by the Kim dynasty, with Kim Jong Un continuing the legacy of his father, Kim Jong Il. Kim’s leadership style has been characterized by an emphasis on maintaining control through a combination of nationalism, militarism, and the repression of dissent. His government’s main goal is to retain power and ensure that any potential challengers to his rule can be quickly and brutally crushed. This has created a political environment characterized by fear and distrust.
Possible Successors to Kim Jong Un
If Kim Jong Un were to die, there are several possible successors. Kim Yo Jong, the younger sister of Kim Jong Un, is the most likely. She currently serves as the Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party in North Korea, a position which gives her a great deal of power. Other potential successors include Kim Pyong Il, Kim Jong Un’s uncle and Choe Ryong Hae, the Secretary of the Workers’ Party.
However, Kim Yo Jong appears to be the most likely successor to Kim Jong Un. Her role as the Deputy Director of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party gives her access to the upper echelons of government and allows her to influence policy decisions. Additionally, she is the only member of the Kim dynasty likely to take power, as Kim Jong Un does not have any sons.
Kim Yo Jong is still young and has not yet had the opportunity to publicly demonstrate her leadership skills. However, she is well-respected within the Workers’ Party and may prove to be a capable ruler if given the chance to lead.
Kim Jong Un’s Impact on Foreign Policy
Kim Jong Un has had a significant impact on foreign policy in East Asia. His government has pursued an aggressive policy towards the United States and its allies, including South Korea and Japan, while attempting to strengthen its ties with China. Kim has sought to use North Korea’s nuclear weapons and ballistic missile programs as a means of deterring potential attacks and gaining geopolitical leverage. Additionally, his government has sought to undermine American influence in the region, with Kim accusing the United States of “hostile acts” and seeking to undermine the sovereignty of North Korea.
Kim’s foreign policy has ultimately had the effect of strengthening North Korea’s international image. Despite its reputation as a pariah state, North Korea is now seen as an important player in international diplomacy and relations. This has allowed Kim’s government to gain a certain degree of diplomatic leverage, while also serving to isolate the country further by making it harder for other nations to engage with North Korea.
Potential Implications of Kim Jong Un’s Death
If Kim Jong Un were to die, the implications for North Korea and East Asia could be dramatic. Without his firm grip on power, it is possible that the country could descend into chaos as a number of powerful factions contend for control. This could lead to instability and violence as the various factions vie for control. Additionally, there is the possibility that a new leader could seek to reverse some of Kim’s policies, including his foreign policy of aggression and his emphasis on developing nuclear weapons.
There is also the risk that the new leader could continue Kim’s policies, leading to further isolation and instability. The current leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Un, has proved himself to be an unpredictable and erratic leader, and it is unclear how his successor would act if given the chance.
Outlook on North Korea’s Future Under a New Leader
It is impossible to predict what will happen in North Korea if Kim Jong Un dies. Any new leader would face a difficult task in maintaining control, as the country is rife with political unrest and many powerful factions. It is also possible that a new leader could attempt to reverse some of Kim’s policies, or continue them and bring further isolation. Ultimately, the future of North Korea is uncertain, but the death of Kim Jong Un could bring significant change to the country.
