In a world where political leaders are often shrouded in secrecy, Kim Jong Un stands out as one of the most mysterious figures. The chubby dictator, once dubbed “Rocket Man” by former President Trump, has made headlines for his eccentricities and ruthless rule in North Korea. Here are some intriguing facts about his life:
1. Family Ties and Plastic Surgery Kim Jong Un’s ascent to power was marked by a strict command from his father, Kim Jong Il, who passed away in 2011. Those who skipped memorial services were threatened with imprisonment in labor camps. Kim Jong Un even reportedly underwent plastic surgery at the age of 27 to resemble his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who founded North Korea and was the third Kim to rule the nation.
2. Signature Hairstyle: ‘Ambitious’ Kim’s distinctive hairstyle has a name: ‘Ambitious.’ It’s one of the 28 approved men’s haircuts in North Korea and is believed to be a tribute to his grandfather, Kim Il Sung. In 2017, reports suggested that only 15 hairstyles were permitted for the general population, making Kim’s haircut off-limits to commoners.
3. Mysterious Love Life Kim Jong Un’s romantic history remains enigmatic. He reportedly married Ri Sol Ju, a former cheerleader, in 2009, but the union wasn’t publicly acknowledged until 2012. There were also rumors of a love affair with pop diva Hyon Song-wol, whose song “I Love Pyongyang” was said to have captured his heart. However, Ri Sol Ju is now seen in public with Kim, although her political influence in the Hermit Kingdom is limited.
4. Hidden Children Despite fathering at least three children since 2010, Kim has kept his offspring hidden from the public eye. While his first child is believed to be a boy named Kim Ju-ae, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service has struggled to confirm the genders and names of his other children.
5. Deadly Family Feuds To maintain his grip on power, Kim Jong Un has not hesitated to eliminate family members, including his half-brother, Kim Jong Nam, who spent years in exile for being deemed too Westernized. In 2017, Kim Jong Nam was assassinated with a lethal chemical nerve toxin in a Malaysian airport, a meticulously planned killing allegedly ordered by Kim.
6. Unusual Interests Kim’s interests include the Moranbong Band, an all-girl pop group he owns, which gained popularity with songs like “Do Prosper, Era of the Workers’ Party.” Surprisingly, he also enjoys Disney music and was seen on state-run television watching a musical featuring characters like Tigger and Minnie Mouse. Classic Disney animations like “Dumbo” and “Snow White” served as the backdrop.
7. Basketball and Rodman Kim is known for his passion for basketball, although he’s reportedly better on PlayStation than on the court. He has maintained a close friendship with former NBA player Dennis Rodman, who has made several trips to North Korea, including a high-profile visit in 2017 that contributed to the release of American prisoner Otto Warmbier. Rodman has described Kim as “a big kid” who just wants to have fun.
8. Ruthless Executioner Kim Jong Un has a reputation for brutally eliminating rivals and perceived threats. He ordered the mortar execution of a former army vice minister in 2012, allegedly for drinking and celebrating after the death of Kim’s father. In 2013, his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, was reportedly stripped naked and fed to 120 starved dogs. Kim ordered the execution of a deputy minister by flamethrower in 2014 and, the following year, publicly executed another minister using an anti-aircraft cannon, witnessed by hundreds.
9. Lack of Humor Kim takes his image seriously. When Sony Pictures released “The Interview,” a comedy film that mocked him, he reportedly ordered a cyberattack against Sony. The movie, featuring James Franco and Seth Rogen as TV newsreaders hired by the CIA to assassinate Kim, was never released due to the controversy.
10. Mysterious Disappearance In 2014, Kim Jong Un vanished from public view, sparking rumors of a military coup. After six weeks, he reappeared unharmed, with state media explaining his absence as recovery from surgery.
Kim Jong Un remains a complex and enigmatic figure on the global stage, known for both his eccentric tastes and ruthless tactics in maintaining power.
