How old is Kim Jong-un?

Kim Jong‑un is the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, a role that entails absolute power, extreme secrecy and a certain amount of international intrigue, not to mention a few raised eyebrows. Officially, he was born on 8 January 1982, but outside analysts speculate he may be a year or two younger given that even birthdays are shrouded in mystery in North Korea. 

He is the grandson of Kim Il Sung and son of Kim Jong Il and assumed the leadership of the country in 2011 as head of state, party chief and commander of the armed forces. Educated partially abroad under a pseudonym, he quickly consolidated power, overseeing nuclear and missile programs that inspired both national pride and international alarm. His diplomacy has swung between tense brinkmanship and surprising summits with South Korea and other leaders, demonstrating that decades-old rivalries can always be spiced up with dramatic rhetoric.

Kim is married to Ri Sol-ju and is believed to have several children, including Kim Ju-ae, who has attended official events and fuelled speculation about a future role in the regime. Kim Jong–un is one of the most talked about people on the planet. Loved, feared or endlessly debated, this is where the mystery meets the real world stakes.

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