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July 30, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Civic Brief • World Leader

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.

Updated July 30, 20261 min readCited sources

Kim Jong Un is the supreme leader of North Korea, taking power in 2011 after his father Kim Jong Il. He is the third ruler from the Kim family dynasty.

Who he is

Kim Jong Un is a North Korean political leader who holds top party, state, and military positions. His exact birth year is not publicly confirmed, with sources listing 1982, 1983, or 1984.

Rise to power

He was groomed as heir apparent and became supreme leader in 2011 after his father’s death. He later consolidated control over the Workers' Party of Korea and the military.

Key details

Kim Jong Un is associated with North Korea’s nuclear programme and military focus. He is widely reported to be married to Ri Sol-ju, with children whose details are not fully public.

In short

  • Kim Jong Un is North Korea’s supreme leader since 2011.
  • He is the third Kim family ruler, succeeding his father.
  • His birth year is uncertain, commonly listed as 1982, 1983, or 1984.
  • He holds top party, state, and military posts.
Canadian angle

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.

Quick questions

Who is Kim Jong Un?
He is the supreme leader of North Korea and a member of the Kim family dynasty that has ruled since 1948.
How old is Kim Jong Un?
His exact age is uncertain; sources commonly list his birth year as 1982, 1983, or 1984.
Is Kim Jong Un married?
Yes, he is widely reported to be married to Ri Sol-ju.

Sources

  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.