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Kim Jong Un

Kim Jong Un is a North Korean political leader who has served as the country’s supreme leader since 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Kim Jong Un is a North Korean political leader who has served as the country’s supreme leader since 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. He is the third ruler from the Kim family to lead North Korea and holds several top party, state, and military positions. His exact birth year is not publicly confirmed.

Early life

Kim Jong Un is the youngest son of Kim Jong Il and Ko Yong Hui. Public reporting does not confirm his exact birth year, though his birthday is generally given as 8 January.

Rise to power

He was groomed for succession before becoming leader in 2011 after his father’s death. Sources describe him as being declared the country’s supreme leader and later taking additional party and military posts.

Leadership

Kim Jong Un is associated with North Korea’s current political structure and holds the country’s highest offices. He has also overseen continued emphasis on the military and nuclear programme.

Personal life

Reporting indicates that Kim Jong Un is married to Ri Sol-ju. Some sources also state that the couple have children, though details are not fully public.

Key facts

  • Kim Jong Un is the supreme leader of North Korea.
  • He took power in 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong Il.
  • He is the third member of the Kim family to rule North Korea.
  • His exact year of birth is not publicly confirmed; sources commonly list 1982, 1983, or 1984.
  • He holds top positions in the Workers' Party of Korea and the state security system.
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Canadian context

Canadian readers may encounter Kim Jong Un in coverage of North Korea’s nuclear programme, regional security, sanctions, and Canada’s foreign policy toward North Korea.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Kim Jong Un?
Kim Jong Un is the supreme leader of North Korea and a member of the Kim family dynasty that has ruled the country since 1948.
How old is Kim Jong Un?
His exact age is uncertain because his birth year is not publicly confirmed; sources commonly list 1982, 1983, or 1984.
What is Kim Jong Un's title?
He is commonly described as North Korea’s supreme leader and also holds major party, state, and military posts.
How did Kim Jong Un become leader?
He succeeded his father, Kim Jong Il, after Kim Jong Il’s death in 2011. He had been publicly positioned as the heir apparent before taking power.
What is Kim Jong Un's net worth?
His personal net worth is not reliably verifiable from public sources, and estimates vary widely.
Is Kim Jong Un married?
Yes. He is widely reported to be married to Ri Sol-ju.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Jong_Un
    Supports: Basic biographical details, succession in 2011, and major offices held.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Kim-Jong-Eun
    Supports: Biography, succession after Kim Jong Il, and reported marriage to Ri Sol-ju.
  3. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-pacific-11388628
    Supports: Profile information on his rise to power, family background, and approximate birth year.
  4. Council on Foreign Relations — https://www.cfr.org/backgrounders/north-koreas-power-structure
    Supports: North Korea’s power structure and Kim Jong Un’s role at the centre of state authority.
  5. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/politics-and-government/kim-jong-un
    Supports: Birth date uncertainty, leadership succession, and pre-ascension grooming.