In a year marked by drastic policy shifts, Kim Jong Un made great strides in stepping out of the shadow of his predecessors in 2024, showcasing his power by strengthening his cult of personality.
As North Korea’s leader, Kim is front and center in the state’s portrayal of everything that happens in the country, but on paper he is still outranked by two dead men — his grandfather and father.
In a year marked by drastic policy shifts, Kim Jong Un made great strides in stepping out of the shadow of his predecessors in 2024, showcasing his power by strengthening his cult of personality.
As North Korea’s leader, Kim is front and center in the state’s portrayal of everything that happens in the country, but on paper he is still outranked by two dead men — his grandfather and father.
Try unlimited access
Only $1 for four weeks
-
Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations,
analysis
-
Year-one discount if you continue past $1 trial period
-
The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in
the loop
-
Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
-
Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting,
investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe
now
All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.