Kim Jong-un, born January 8, 1983 or 1984, is the Supreme Leader of North Korea, succeeding his father, Kim Jong-il, upon the latter's death in December 2011.[1][2][7] He is the third leader in the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) since its founding in 1948, and holds key titles including chairman of the State Affairs Commission, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army.[1][2] Groomed for leadership from a young age, Kim attended school in Switzerland under a false identity until around 2000, gaining exposure to Western culture before returning to North Korea for military education at Kim Il-sung University.[2][5][6] Designated as "the great successor" in 2010 and promoted to four-star general, he rapidly consolidated power after assuming control, acquiring formal roles such as first secretary of the WPK, chairman of the Central Military Commission, and chairman of the National Defense Commission by April 2012.[1][2] His rule has featured ruthless purges to eliminate rivals, including the 2013 execution of his uncle Jang Song-thaek, a key regent figure, and the 2017 assassination of his half-brother Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia.[1][4] Kim has accelerated North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, overseeing multiple nuclear tests since 2013, intercontinental ballistic missile launches in 2017, and codifying the country's nuclear-armed status in its 2012 constitution.[1][2][5] Notable diplomatic engagements include historic 2018 summits with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and U.S. President Donald Trump, though relations with Seoul and Washington deteriorated into the 2020s amid continued weapons development.[2] In 2016, he was named WPK chairman, further centralizing authority.[2] Kim maintains a cult of personality akin to his predecessors, promoting totalitarian policies, suppressing dissent, and fostering nuclear deterrence amid international sanctions.[1][2][5] As of recent reports, he continues to engage in diplomacy, including a visit to Russia.[2]