Kim Jong-un, the 36-year-old supreme leader of North Korea, commands one of the world’s largest militaries and possesses a significant nuclear arsenal. His family has ruled North Korea with an iron fist for over 70 years, employing a regime steeped in violence and terror. However, Kim Jong-un is at a pivotal moment in his leadership, grappling with a profound dilemma: should he continue his family’s brutal legacy, or pivot towards a more modern and potentially legitimate form of leadership?
Kim Jong-un’s challenge is to decide whether to embrace a softer, more reformist approach or to uphold the repressive regime inherited from his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, and his father, Kim Jong-il. This internal conflict could determine the future of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea with god-like authority. As only the third ruler in the dynasty’s history, Kim Jong-un is caught between the traditional practices of his communist past and the pressing need to adapt to a changing world.
In his tenth year as leader, Kim Jong-un finds himself at a crossroads. He must choose between dragging North Korea into the modern era, which could weaken his grip on power, or maintaining its status as an isolated rogue state, as his grandfather and father did before him. This situation resembles the plot of “The Godfather Part III,” where Michael Corleone struggles to transition from a criminal empire to a legitimate business, but Kim’s challenge is even more complex. The Kim regime’s sustenance relies on illicit activities such as arms dealing, drug trafficking, counterfeit currency, and cybercrime, which together generate an estimated $2 billion annually.
Recently, Kim Jong-un has shown signs of modernization. He has been seen in public with his wife and has met with other world leaders, signaling a potential shift in his approach. However, his commitment to modernization was dramatically tested in 2017 with the assassination of his half-brother, Kim Jong-nam. Kim Jong-nam had been living in exile and was rumored to have acted as an informant for the CIA. His murder at Kuala Lumpur International Airport involved an elaborate plot where two women, deceived into believing they were participating in a prank, were used to apply a deadly nerve agent to him. This assassination, captured on CCTV, revealed the extent of Kim Jong-un’s ruthlessness and his determination to eliminate perceived threats.
Kim Jong-un’s upbringing was profoundly shaped by North Korea’s secretive and insulated nature. His father, Kim Jong-il, created an elaborate network of tunnels and hidden facilities to shield his family from external threats. This secretive infrastructure, combined with the intense paranoia of his family, influenced Kim Jong-un’s development. As a child, he was isolated from normal social interactions and grew up surrounded by bodyguards rather than peers. His father’s eccentricities and extreme paranoia created a highly controlled environment that significantly impacted Kim Jong-un’s worldview.
Kim Jong-un’s early years also included a period of exposure to Western culture. He spent some time in Switzerland living with his aunt and uncle while attending public school. This experience exposed him to a different lifestyle, including a love for basketball and Western fashion. Despite these experiences, his return to North Korea at age 17 marked the beginning of his ascent to power. His exposure to Western freedoms did not translate into immediate reformist policies, and he quickly established himself as the supreme leader of North Korea’s oppressive regime.
Upon assuming leadership, Kim Jong-un initially promised economic improvements and presented himself as a more approachable figure compared to his predecessors. He invested in modernization projects such as ski resorts and shopping malls, aiming to project a more progressive image. His wife, Ri Sol-ju, played a key role in this rebranding effort, helping to present the Kim family as a modern and aspirational couple. Despite these efforts, the regime’s reliance on fear and repression remained unchanged.
In recent years, Kim Jong-un has taken steps to further modernize North Korea’s image. He has expanded internet access, introduced social media influencers, and built high-end facilities to appeal to a younger generation. These changes are part of a broader strategy to create a more positive image of North Korea. However, the regime’s core reliance on repression remains, and the regime is deeply concerned about the potential for information access to undermine its control.
Kim Jong-un has also relied heavily on his sister, Kim Yo-jong, to manage internal and external affairs. Initially a secretive figure, Kim Yo-jong has risen to prominence as a key player in the regime. She has taken on critical roles, including overseeing media and international relations, and has even been involved in provocative actions, such as the destruction of the inter-Korean liaison office in 2020. Her rise represents a strategic move by Kim Jong-un to balance modernization with maintaining traditional authoritarian control.
Kim Yo-jong’s growing influence has been marked by her involvement in high-profile diplomatic missions, such as attending the 2018 Winter Olympics in South Korea and engaging in peace talks with South Korean leaders. She has become a central figure in the regime, handling media and press and managing communications with the outside world. Her role has also included enforcing the regime’s stance on South Korean activists and maintaining internal discipline.
In 2020, Kim Jong-un promoted his sister to the highest level of the public bureau, further solidifying her position within the regime. Her increased prominence indicates her crucial role in maintaining the Kim dynasty’s grip on power. Kim Yo-jong’s activities have included not only managing the regime’s image but also engaging in actions that reinforce the regime’s control and respond to external threats.
As Kim Jong-un navigates his dilemma, he is implementing a dual strategy to secure his family’s legacy while adapting to a changing world. His sister’s role involves traditional authoritarian measures, while Kim Jong-un himself seeks to present a more modern and approachable image. This approach reflects his attempt to modernize North Korea while preserving the regime’s core power structures.
Ultimately, Kim Jong-un’s success in transforming North Korea will depend on his ability to balance modernization with maintaining control. While he strives to present a more progressive image, the regime’s reliance on repression remains a fundamental aspect of its survival. As he seeks to position North Korea on the global stage and end decades of isolation, the future of the Kim dynasty will be shaped by his ability to navigate this complex and evolving landscape.
