Kim Jong Un is a North Korean politician who has been the supreme leader of North Korea since December 2011, taking over after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. He is the third generation of his family to rule the country, with his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, being the founder of North Korea. Kim Jong Un's rule has been marked by strongman tactics and a focus on nuclear weapons development, leading to frequent international tensions.
Kim Jong Un promotes self-sustainability in North Korea using a concept known as "juche," or "self-reliance". This general philosophy, which has been a longstanding element of North Korean state ideology since the days of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, emphasizes political, economic, and military autonomy.
In the economic aspect, this means striving for sustainability through domestic production of goods and services rather than dependency on international trade. This push for self-sufficiency is evident in the country's emphasis on agriculture and industry. However, despite massive investment in these sectors, the country has recurrently faced food shortages due to factors such as limited arable land, outdated equipment, and weather events.
Kim Jong Un has also launched a number of initiatives aimed at improving the country's science and technology sector, with particular focus on nuclear technology. The state invests heavily in its nuclear programme, which, despite international censure, is seen by Kim as key to the country's economic and military self-sustainability.
However, critics often point out that this self-sustainability rhetoric often contrasts with the reality, as the country still relies heavily on aid and illicit trade due to economic sanctions and its self-imposed isolation.
Kim Jong Un's specific thoughts on the Internet are not publicly recorded or available. However, it's known that North Korea maintains quite restrictive measures related to Internet usage. The internet in North Korea is monitored and heavily censored by the government, with only high-ranking officials and select institutions having access to the global internet. Most North Koreans have access only to a government-filtered national intranet, called Kwangmyong. This suggests that Kim Jong Un and his government perceive the internet as something to control and manage, possibly because it could bring aspects of free speech and liberalization that could pose challenges to the regime.
Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea, is known to speak Korean fluently, as it is his native language. He reportedly also has some knowledge of English. This comes from his education at a Swiss boarding school (under a pseudonym) during his early teens, where he would have been educated in English and German. The extent of his fluency in these languages is not well documented, but he is likely to have at least a basic understanding of them.
Kim Jong Un and the North Korean government have taken a series of strict measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19 into and within their country.
First, North Korea closed its borders in January 2020, not long after the virus was first reported in neighboring China. The government cancelled all international flights and cross-border trains, effectively isolating the country even more than usual.
Second, Kim Jong Un's government enforced strict internal movement controls, including putting entire regions under quarantine. It also ramped up health screenings, particularly in areas close to the border with China.
Third, North Korea has made efforts to emphasize the seriousness of the pandemic to its populace through state media broadcasts. The government has imparted instructions about hygiene, social distancing, and mask-wearing, and directed the construction of quarantine facilities and hospitals.
Finally, although North Korea has not officially confirmed any Covid-19 cases within its territories, there has been significant focus on treating pre-existing health conditions, so that the healthcare system is not overwhelmed should a Covid-19 outbreak occur.
It's important to note that information about North Korea is challenging to verify due to the closed nature of the country. For the same reason, international cooperation or aid has also been limited, which makes the situation even more complex.
Kim Jong Un's primary residence is the Ryongsong Residence, also known as Residence No. 55. It is a large complex located in the Ryongsong District in the northern part of Pyongyang, the capital city of North Korea. It's known for its vast gardens, multiple buildings, and security measures.
North Korea has indeed continued to survive under the leadership of Kim Jong Un. Following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in December 2011, Kim Jong Un has maintained control over the country, bolstering his power and executing several high-profile officials, including his uncle Jang Song-thaek, in order to cement his position and deter potential opposition.
Survival, however, should not be confused with prosperity. The country has been dealing with international sanctions due to its ongoing nuclear programme, which has led to economic struggles. These challenges have been compounded by the secretive nature of the state, its isolation from the global economic system, and its emphasis on self-sufficiency and military strength over economic development.
In terms of living standards, North Korea continues to rank very low with widespread poverty, food scarcity, and systemic human rights abuses. There is limited access to basic services such as healthcare and education, which further compounds the hardship faced by the North Korean populace.
Yet, the regime has also made noticeable efforts to modernize various aspects of North Korean society. Under Kim Jong Un there have been reported developments in areas such as infrastructure, technology, and domestic consumer goods.
In conclusion, while North Korea has survived under Kim Jong Un's rule, the quality and conditions of that survival are subjects of global concern and ongoing debate.
Kim Jong Un's rule in North Korea is internationally recognised for its repression and authoritarianism. He maintains control over the country through various methods of political repression. This includes strict regulation of information, media censorship, surveillance, and a system of labor camps for those accused of political crimes. The regime frequently imposes harsh punishments for acts it considers rebellious or treasonous, including execution and public purges.
These practices are aimed at suppressing dissent and insulating the North Korean people from foreign influences. Kim's policies prioritize the survival and power of the ruling Workers' Party of Korea and the Kim family dynasty, often at the expense of human rights and individual freedoms.
Kim Jong Un officially took power in North Korea after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, on December 17, 2011. Therefore, as of 2022, he has been in power for over a decade.
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