Kim Jong Un, the enigmatic leader of North Korea, has been a prominent figure in global politics for several years. This article delves into the life and timeline of this influential leader, shedding light on key moments in his personal and political journey.
Early Life:
- Birth Date: January 8 (Birth year widely believed to be in his mid-30s, although exact year remains undisclosed).
- Father: Kim Jong Il
- Mother: Ko Yong Hui
- Marriage: Ri Sol Ju
- Children: Ju Ae (reportedly two others)
- Education: Kim Il Sung Military Academy, 2002-2007
Key Milestones:
- April 2009: Named to North Korea’s National Defense Commission.
- September 28, 2010: Promoted to four-star general, appointed vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, and named to the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
- December 17, 2011: Kim Jong Il, his father, passes away at the age of 69.
- December 31, 2011: Assumes command of the North Korean army.
- April 15, 2012: Delivers his first televised speech, marking 100 years since the birth of the nation’s founder, Kim Il Sung.
- July 18, 2012: Receives the title of marshal of the army.
- March 2013: Hosts former NBA basketball star Dennis Rodman.
- September-October 2014: Disappears from public view for about six weeks for health reasons.
- July 2015: South Korean Foreign Minister reports that Kim executed 70 officials since assuming power in late 2011.
- December 10, 2015: Claims North Korea possesses a hydrogen bomb, a claim met with skepticism by experts.
- July 6, 2016: Obama administration imposes sanctions on Kim and 10 other regime officials for alleged human rights abuses.
- September 21, 2016: South Korea’s Defense Minister announces elite troops on standby to assassinate Kim if threatened.
- December 29, 2016: A South Korean think tank publishes a report detailing Kim’s use of executions to maintain power.
- January 1, 2017: Claims North Korea is almost ready to test intercontinental ballistic missiles.
- February 13, 2017: Kim Jong Nam, Kim’s half-brother, is poisoned in Malaysia, and South Korea’s intelligence agency accuses Kim of ordering his death.
- September 22, 2017: Responds to President Trump’s threats with a rare direct statement, igniting a war of words.
- February 10, 2018: Extends a formal invitation to South Korean President Moon Jae-in, fostering a historic diplomatic moment.
- March 8, 2018: The White House announces Trump’s agreement to meet Kim, setting the stage for a groundbreaking summit.
- March 25-28, 2018: Makes a surprise trip to Beijing, strengthening ties with China.
- April 18, 2018: Trump confirms CIA Director Mike Pompeo’s secret meeting with Kim.
- April 27, 2018: Signs the Punmunjom Declaration with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, pledging to formally end the Korean War.
- June 12, 2018: Meets with President Trump in Singapore, marking the first-ever meeting between US and North Korean leaders.
- April 20, 2020: Speculation arises about Kim’s health following surgery but is later dispelled.
- June 16, 2021: Acknowledges food shortages and encourages another “Arduous March,” referring to a period of famine.
- June 30, 2021: Fires senior officials over lax Covid-19 prevention measures.
- October 12, 2021: Speaks on North Korea’s need for weapons in the face of perceived US hostility.
- November 19, 2022: KCNA releases a photo of Kim with his young daughter at a missile launch.
- September 12-17, 2023: Visits Russia amid discussions of military cooperation following the Ukraine conflict.
Kim Jong Un’s life and actions continue to captivate the world’s attention, making him a prominent and enigmatic figure on the global stage.
Image Source: Google
