Kim Jong-un Biography

Kim Jong-un, known by various names including 김정은 in Hangul and 金正恩 in Hancha, was born on January 8, 1982. Renowned as the dictator of North Korea, he holds positions both as a politician and military personnel.

Kim Jong-un Height, Age, Wife, Children, Family, Biography, & More

Among his many nicknames are “Pang (The Fat One),” “Little Rocket Man,” and “Smart Cookie.” His leadership, often controversial, has earned him international attention and a mix of monikers ranging from humorous to derogatory, reflecting the complex perceptions surrounding his rule.

Early Life

Kim Jong-un’s early life was marked by his grooming for leadership in the secretive regime of North Korea. Raised in privilege and power, his upbringing included early exposure to military traditions, such as being outfitted with a three-star general’s uniform at the tender age of six.

By 11, he was proficient in firearms, reflecting the militarized environment in which he was raised. Despite his elite status, aspects of his childhood remain shrouded in mystery, with only a few confirmed photographs existing. Nonetheless, his ascent to power was facilitated by the favoritism shown by his father, Kim Jong-il, who recognized in him a successor with similar traits and qualities.

Education

Kim Jong-un pursued his early education at the International School of Berne and Liebefeld Steinhölzli Oberstufe in Switzerland. Later, he attained degrees in Computer Science and Physics from Kim Il Sung University and military education from Kim Il Sung Military University in Pyongyang.

Age

Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1982, in Pyongyang, North Korea, under the zodiac sign of Capricorn. As of 2024, he is 42 years old, representing North Korean nationality.

Physical Stats

Kim Jong-un stands at a height of 5′ 7″ (170 cm) with dark brown eyes and black hair, adding to his distinctive appearance.

Wife and Children

Kim Jong-un, married to Ri Sol-ju since 2009, has a family including two sons (unconfirmed) and one daughter, Kim Ju-ae, marking his role as a husband and father alongside his political leadership in North Korea.

Family

Kim Jong-un, son of Kim Jong-il and Ko Yong-hui, has two half-brothers, Kim Jong-nam (deceased) and Kim Jong-chul, and three sisters, including Kim Yo-jong and Kim Sol-song, who are prominent figures in politics, shaping the familial dynamics within North Korea’s leadership.

Kim Jong-un Father Kim Jong-il

Kim Jong-un Mother Ko Yong-hui

Kim Jong-un Brother Kim Jong-nam

Kim Jong-un Sisters

Kim Jong-un Wife Ri Sol-ju

Kim Jong-un Daughter Kim Ju-ae

Other Relatives

Kim Jong-un’s extensive family tree includes illustrious ancestors like Kim Hyong-jik and Kang Pan-sok, as well as prominent figures such as Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Suk. He also has various relatives, including step-grandmother Kim Song Ae and uncles like Kim Pyong Il and Kim Yong-il, shaping his familial background within the political landscape of North Korea.

Career

Kim Jong-un’s career trajectory was meticulously crafted within the political apparatus of North Korea. Ascending to the role of Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Kim Jong-il, he swiftly consolidated power, focusing on strengthening his grip on the regime. His leadership saw a blend of authoritarian control and occasional glimpses of openness, such as the acknowledgment of rocket failures. Despite global scrutiny, Jong-un’s rule remained defined by the continuation of his family’s dynasty, marked by political intrigue, military posturing, and efforts to bolster North Korea’s international standing, all while maintaining a tight grip on power at home.

Awards and Honors

• Jubilee Medal “75 Years of Victory in the Great Patriotic War 1941–1945” (Russia, 2020) — awarded for his efforts at preserving the memory of Soviet soldiers who died during the Soviet–Japanese War (1945) and were buried in North Korea.

Net Worth

Kim Jong-un’s exact net worth remains uncertain, estimates suggest it may be around $5 billion, although the details of his financial assets are largely opaque due to the secretive nature of North Korea’s regime.

Some Lesser Known Facts About Kim Jong-un

• Kim became the first Supreme Leader of the Democratic Republic of North Korea (DPRK) who was born in North Korea as his grandfather was born in Soviet Russia, and his father in Unified Korea (during Imperial Japan’s occupation).
• At the age of 11, he started carrying a firearm with himself and was reportedly well-versed in firing all types of pistols and assault rifles used by the North Korean military.
• Kim loves Italian food. His father, in 1997, hired a chef from Italy to prepare pizza for him.
• His name was revealed to the public for the first time during a political meeting in Pyongyang in 2010.
• It is claimed that Kim Jong Nam, Kim’s elder half-brother, was in the line to take over as the supreme leader of North Korea.
• After coming to power, he worked on reducing the power of the military and began allocating more powers into the hands of the politicians.
• In 2006, Jong-il ordered the circulation of badges with Kim Jong-un’s photo on it among the North Korean politicians and diplomats.
• In 2012, under Kim’s leadership, the regime, for the first time, revealed a rocket failure. Earlier the regime used to hide its missile and rocket failures.
• Kim Jong-un is an equestrian. He learned horseriding at an early age.
• Kim Jong-un has often been spotted smoking a cigarette during public meetingsKim began smoking in his early teens and had a liking for the Yves Saint Laurent menthol cigarettes.
• He also developed a liking for McDonald’s Big Mac at a very young age, and he often asked Kenji to get him some from China on a private aeroplane.
• He began driving a car at the age of 7. His father gifted him his first Mercedes when he was just 10 years old.

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