North Korea Rocket Man: Who is Kim Jong Un (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798308491019)

North Korea's president, officially referred to as the Supreme Leader, is Kim Jong Un, who has held power since 2011 following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. Kim Jong Un is the third leader in the Kim dynasty, which has ruled North Korea (formally known as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, or DPRK) since its founding in 1948 by his grandfather, Kim Il Sung. Under Kim Jong Un, North Korea has continued its authoritarian governance, heavily centralized economy, and military-first policies.

Kim Jong Un's leadership has focused on consolidating power and reinforcing his regime's control over the nation. Domestically, he rules through a combination of propaganda, strict surveillance, and the suppression of dissent. The North Korean government emphasizes the ideology of Juche (self-reliance), paired with Songun (military-first politics), to maintain control and justify its isolation from the international community. The country's media operates as a propaganda tool, glorifying Kim Jong Un and the ruling family while tightly controlling information flow to prevent dissent.

Economically, Kim Jong Un has overseen minor reforms to increase limited market activity within North Korea's tightly controlled socialist economy. However, these efforts have been undermined by international sanctions in response to the country's nuclear weapons program. Food insecurity and poverty remain significant challenges, exacerbated by sanctions, natural disasters, and mismanagement. Despite these challenges, the regime prioritizes military and defense spending over civilian needs.

One of the defining features of Kim Jong Un's rule is his aggressive pursuit of nuclear weapons and ballistic missile technology. Under his leadership, North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests and developed intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of reaching the United States. These actions have drawn widespread condemnation and led to heightened tensions with the international community, particularly South Korea, the United States, and Japan. Despite global pressure, North Korea considers its nuclear program essential to its survival, framing it as a deterrent against perceived threats.

Kim Jong Un's foreign policy has been marked by a mix of provocative actions and sporadic attempts at diplomacy. He made history by meeting U.S. President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019 during unprecedented summits aimed at denuclearization. However, these talks ultimately failed to produce lasting agreements, and tensions have since escalated. Relations with South Korea have similarly fluctuated, with periods of dialogue interspersed with threats and military provocations.

Human rights abuses under Kim Jong Un's regime are well-documented and severe. The United Nations and human rights organizations have reported widespread violations, including forced labor, political prison camps, and restrictions on freedom of movement, speech, and religion. These abuses reinforce the regime's grip on power, ensuring control over a population subjected to intense surveillance and fear.

Kim Jong Un remains an enigmatic and polarizing figure on the world stage. His leadership continues to shape North Korea's future, with a focus on maintaining the regime's survival, advancing its military capabilities, and preserving the dynastic rule of the Kim family, despite widespread condemnation and isolation.