Background Information
North Korea has been ruled by the Kim family since 1948. Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, was the leader of North Korea until his death in 1994. He was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-ils, who was the leader of North Korea until his death in December 2011. Since then, his son, Kim Jong Un, has been the leader of the country. But who ruled North Korea before Kim Jong Un?
Kim Jong-il
Kim Jong-il, Kim Il-sung’s son, took over power of the country after his father’s death. He was appointed by a special commission in North Korea in October 2011. Kim Jong-il was the Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1994 until his death in December 2011. During his rule, he maintained and cemented his father’s policies of isolation, strict political control and massive military development. He was known to be a ruthless leader and had a taste for luxury, with it being reported that he owned 1,800 different luxury watches.
Kim Il-sung
Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, had the longest rule in North Korea. He ruled from 1948 until his death in 1994. He was the first leader of North Korea, and the country is still officially known as the “Democratic People’s Republic of Korea” under his rule. He established a single-party state, and institutionalised the anti-western sentiment the country is known for today. In addition, he established radical reforms in the economy and military, which has resulted in North Korea having the fourth-largest standing military in the world.
Kim Yong-ju
Kim Yong-ju was Kim Il-sung’s older brother, and is also known as the “Invisible President” of North Korea. He was known to have immense influence on the politics of North Korea, even serving as Premier of North Korea from 1972 to 1977. He is reported to have fostered a strong relationship with Kim Jong-il, and was essential in the rise to power of Kim Jong-il.
Political Climate at the Time
The political climate in North Korea before Kim Jong Un’s takeover was one of strict control and military development. Isolationism was the rule of the day, and the country was firmly under control of the Kim family. All media was controlled by the state, and dissidents were severely punished. The economy was mainly based on state-controlled foreign trade and heavy military spending, resulting in a weak economy.
Experts’ Perspectives
Experts in the field agree that Kim Il-sung was by far the most influential leader of North Korea. His hardline ideology and strict policies were felt for years after his death. “Kim Il-sung’s death marks an end of an era in North Korea,” says Professor Paul Johnson, a North Korea scholar at the University of Oxford. “He had created a nearly impenetrable fortress of isolation and control in his country, and it was this control that enabled his son, Kim Jong-il and now, his grandson, Kim Jong Un, to come to power.”
Economic Impact of the Rule of the Kim Family
The rule of the Kim family had a massive impact on the economy of North Korea. North Korea is estimated to be one of the poorest countries in the world, with an average income of only $890 per year. This is largely a result of the country’s strict economic policy, which has resulted in an extremely limited economic engagement between North Korea and the rest of the world. The country also suffers from a severe trade deficit, as imports are much higher than exports, largely due to its reliance on imports for essential goods.
Significance of Kim Jong Un’s Rule
The rule of Kim Jong Un has seen moderate change in North Korea’s policy. After years of strict control and isolation, Kim Jong Un has opened the country up to some degree. In 2018, Kim Jong Un held a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in to discuss the potential for peace and cooperation between the two countries, as well as the potential for economic development. North Korea’s involvement in the Olympics was also a sign of its opening diplomacy.
Effect of the Kim Family’s Rule on Human Rights
Under the rule of the Kim family, the human rights situation in North Korea has deteriorated significantly. The country is known for its repressive policies and strict control of the media, and is is widely condemned by international organisations for its human rights violations. Freedom of speech, movement, and religion are severely restricted, and there are numerous reports of torture, forced disappearances, and other forms of abuse.
International Relations and the Kim Family
The rule of the Kim family has had a major effect on North Korea’s relations with the rest of the world. The country is largely isolated from the international community, as its foreign policy is primarily driven by its need to maintain political control. North Korea has been under numerous sanctions imposed by the United Nations and other international organisations, and its nuclear weapons program is a major source of tension in the region.
Effect of the Kim Family Rule on Infrastructure
The rule of the Kim family has had a significant impact on North Korea’s infrastructure. Despite its vast natural resources, the country suffers from a lack of reliable infrastructure, largely due to underinvestment. The country has severe energy shortages, lack of modernisation of its roads and factories, and a serious shortage of reliable telecommunications systems. In addition, the government has been accused of diverting resources away from infrastructure development and towards its military, which has only exacerbated the problem.
Effects of the Kim Family Rule on Education
The rule of the Kim family has had a major impact on education in North Korea. Education is underfunded and there is a major shortage of educational materials. North Korean students are expected to attend ideological and military classes in addition to their regular classes. Private education institutions are banned, and all education is strictly monitored and controlled by the state.
Conclusion of the Kim Family’s Rule
The rule of the Kim family in North Korea has had a major effect on the country and its citizens. From its isolationist, repressive policies to its heavily militarised economy, the country has been shaped by the rule of the Kim family for decades. Their focus on military development and their unwillingness to engage in international diplomacy has resulted in a country that is largely closed off from the world.
