Who Is The President Of North Korea 2020?
Background Information
North Korea is a communist state located in East Asia and one of five recognized nations to possess nuclear weapons. Under the rule of the Kim dynasty since 1948, North Korea- officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea- has been led by three generations of the Kim family. The current president is the third leader of the Kim dynasty and serves as the commander-in-chief of the armed forces and the head of state.
The Kim Dynasty
Kim Il-sung is widely known as the founder of North Korea and was the first president from 1948-1994. As a communist leader and leader of the Korean resistance to Japanese occupation, Kim Il-sung was a popular figure in the country and remains highly revered by the North Korean people. His son and successor, Kim Jong-il, continued his father’s rule from 1994-2011 and is known as the “Dear Leader”. Although Kim Jong-il had been in power for seventeen years, it was his son Kim Jong-un who became the third leader of the country in 2011.
Kim Jong-un
Kim Jong-un is the current president of North Korea and has the title of Chairman of the Workers’ Party of Korea. Kim Jong-un has a similar political position to that of his father Kim Jong-il and grandfather Kim Il-sung. Despite his young age, Kim Jong-un has made a number of modifications in North Korean society in his time as president.
The youngest leader in North Korean history, Kim Jong-un holds the most amount of power of any of the Kim dynasty leaders, with the ability to make decisions on policy and on the nation’s nuclear weapons program. In recent years, Kim Jong-un has sought to further strengthen North Korea’s ties with China and has been attempting to bring North Korea out of their self-imposed exile from the world’s stage.
Political Influence
Although Kim Jong-un is the president of North Korea, many commentators argue that his authority is limited due to the authoritarian rule of the country and the fact that many positions of power are filled by members of the ruling Workers’ Party of Korea. With the apparent overlap between the functions of the president and those of the ruling party, many argue that Kim Jong-un’s power is diluted and does not represent true leadership of the country.
The political influence of Kim Jong-un has also been somewhat impaired by the UN’s efforts of isolating North Korea due to their nuclear weapons program. He is currently subject to multiple economic and travel sanctions, which have had a negative effect on the nation’s economy and its ability to engage in diplomatic dialogue with other nations. In terms of foreign policy, Kim Jong-un has sought to strengthen ties with South Korea and has been willing to participate in talks with the United States with the aim of achieving some form of denuclearization.
The economy and living conditions
Life in North Korea is known to be difficult for the citizens, with high poverty rates, deprivation and a lack of basic rights. The economy is highly centralized and state-controlled, which has a negative impact on citizens’ ability to make a living.
The government does provide basic food and housing to its population and the citizens are ensured access to health care, education, and other public services. North Korea remains economically isolated, with limited interaction with the international community, which leads to further difficulties for citizens in terms of access to technology and foreign goods and services.
Future outlook
Kim Jong-un’s future in North Korea is uncertain given the uncertain political and economic stability of the nation and the increased diplomatic pressure placed on the country by the international community. His government is seeking to bring stability and economic prosperity to the country and is willing to engage in dialogue with other nations, especially the United States, who have been keen to see the country’s nuclear program denuclearize.
The future of the Kim dynasty remains uncertain and much will depend on the decisions Kim Jong-un makes in terms of foreign policy, economic reforms and protection of the country’s citizens’ rights. Western experts argue that North Korea’s future prospects remain uncertain, but it is hopeful that Kim Jong-un will be able to lead the country to a more prosperous and peaceful future.
International Perception
North Korea is a highly controversial nation and its president Kim Jong-un is often seen as a controversial figure both inside and outside of the country. He has been accused of human rights abuses and has been met with criticism from the international community for his decision to develop North Korea’s nuclear weapons program. He is also seen as a ruthless leader, having ordered the execution of family members and political adversaries.
Internationally, Kim Jong-un is often seen as a figure of ridicule and is the subject of jokes in popular culture. He has been represented in movies, television shows, and other media as a dictator, a buffoon, or just a figure of fun. Despite the criticism and ridicule, some experts argue that Kim Jong-un is an effective leader due to his control over the military and economic policy in North Korea and assert that his rule will continue provided his nuclear ambitions remain in check.
North Korean Citizens
The majority of North Korean citizens remain strongly supportive of Kim Jong-un and the Kim dynasty. He is seen as the embodiment of the nation, a symbol of power and unity, and a protector of the North Korean people. North Koreans are taught from a young age to revere Kim Jong-un who, in turn, is known for praising North Koreans’ loyalty to him and the Communist state.
It is estimated that Kim Jong-un still enjoys strong support from the majority of North Koreans, with some even seeing him as a ‘great leader’. Despite the prevailing opinion amongst the international community, Kim Jong-un remains popular amongst North Koreans and is likely to remain in power for years to come.
International Relations
Kim Jong-un has attempted to open up relations with other international nations such as the United States, South Korea, and Japan. He has stated his willingness to enter talks and negotiations with these countries in order to establish better diplomatic relations and has even met with the United States’ President Donald Trump twice.
However, North Korea remains deeply suspicious of the international community and has been wary of entering any agreements with other nations. Despite this, Kim Jong-un has taken steps to demonstrate his commitment to improving North Korea’s relations with other countries, including his willingness to discuss denuclearization of the Korean peninsula with the United States.
Media and Communication
Kim Jong-un is rarely seen in international media and communication with the outside world is heavily regulated within North Korea. There is no free access to the internet in the country and all media is monitored, censored, and state-controlled. In recent years, Kim Jong-un has made strides towards bringing North Korean media more in line with international standards.
This has included the adoption of more western media outlets, including films, TV shows, and music, as well as the gradual integration of social media platforms into North Korean society. Kim Jong-un has also sought to control the flow of information coming out of the country, in an effort to promote North Korea in a more favorable light to the international community.
Reforms
Kim Jong-un has sought to implement a number of reforms within North Korea. He has encouraged investment from foreign countries, allowed more freedom of expression and made some steps to liberalize the North Korean economy. He has also pushed for the diversification of the North Korean economy, allowing foreign firms to open offices in the country and encouraging entrepreneurship.
However, Kim Jong-un’s reforms have been criticized by some experts as being too slow and limited in scope. Some have argued that the reforms are merely a façade and that there have been no major advancements in terms of human rights and democracy. Despite this, Kim Jong-un’s reforms have been welcomed by some and are seen as a move in the right direction towards greater stability within North Korea.
