Kim Jong-un (1984–present)

Question 1

When was Kim Jong-un born?

Answer 1

Kim Jong-un was born on January 8, 1983 (or 1984, sources vary).

Question 2

Where did Kim Jong-un study during his youth?

Answer 2

He studied in Switzerland under an assumed name in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Question 3

Who was Kim Jong-un’s father?

Answer 3

Kim Jong-il, the former North Korean leader.

Question 4

What major weapon program did Kim Jong-un advance during his rule?

Answer 4

Kim Jong-un significantly advanced North Korea’s nuclear weapons program.

Question 5

What was one of the historic diplomatic events Kim Jong-un is known for?

Answer 5

He held summits with U.S. President Donald Trump, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Question 6

Under Kim Jong-un, what economic changes occurred in North Korea?

Answer 6

He introduced some market-oriented reforms, allowing modest private enterprise in certain areas.

Question 7

What global issue influenced Kim Jong-un’s leadership early on?

Answer 7

North Korea was under international sanctions for its nuclear activities when he took power.

Question 8

How did Kim Jong-un consolidate power after his father’s death?

Answer 8

He purged top officials, including his own uncle, Jang Song-thaek, to consolidate power.

Question 9

What military development did Kim Jong-un use to bring North Korea into global attention?

Answer 9

He used nuclear weapons development and missile tests to bring North Korea into global focus.

Question 10

What human rights issues is Kim Jong-un’s regime criticized for?

Answer 10

His regime has been condemned for labor camps, extreme censorship, and widespread human rights violations.

Question 11

Who was executed by Kim Jong-un for alleged treason in 2013?

Answer 11

His uncle, Jang Song-thaek, was executed.

Question 12

Who is believed to have ordered the assassination of Kim Jong-un’s half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, in 2017?

Answer 12

Kim Jong-un is widely believed to have ordered the assassination.

Question 13

What challenge has North Korea faced under Kim Jong-un’s leadership regarding international relations?

Answer 13

North Korea has remained isolated due to sanctions and its militarization.

Question 14

Why is there confusion about Kim Jong-un’s actual age?

Answer 14

North Korea has kept his birthdate ambiguous, possibly to make him appear more experienced.

Question 15

What sport is Kim Jong-un particularly fond of?

Answer 15

Kim Jong-un is a huge fan of basketball, especially the NBA.

Question 16

Which famous NBA player is Kim Jong-un friends with?

Answer 16

Kim Jong-un is friends with Dennis Rodman.

Question 17

What is one interesting fact about Kim Jong-un’s friendship with Dennis Rodman?

Answer 17

Dennis Rodman once sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to Kim Jong-un during a visit to Pyongyang.

Question 18

What is Kim Jong-un’s most significant achievement in nuclear diplomacy?

Answer 18

Kim Jong-un’s regime developed nuclear weapons and held historic summits with world leaders.

Question 19

How is Kim Jong-un’s legacy viewed in terms of domestic control?

Answer 19

He is seen as continuing the Kim dynasty’s authoritarian rule, focusing on military strength and control.

Question 20

What method did Kim Jong-un use to maintain international relevance?

Answer 20

He used nuclear development as leverage in international diplomacy.

Question 21

Fill in the blank: Kim Jong-un succeeded his father, _____, as North Korea’s Supreme Leader.

Answer 21

Kim Jong-il.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Kim Jong-un ordered the execution of his uncle, _____, in 2013.

Answer 22

Jang Song-thaek.

Question 23

Fill in the blank: Kim Jong-un’s regime is often criticized for _____ and widespread human rights violations.

Answer 23

labor camps, censorship

Question 24

Fill in the blank: Kim Jong-un is a big fan of _____, especially the Chicago Bulls and Michael Jordan.

Answer 24

basketball