Monday marks 10 years since North Korean leader Kim Jong Un assumed the top post of the ruling Workers' Party. This comes amid concerns that the country may hold more ballistic missile and nuclear tests in the coming days.
Kim Jong Un has assumed various top party positions to cement his power base.
Following the death of his father Kim Jong Il in December 2011, Kim Jong Un was named as the party's first secretary at its conference in April 2012. It was a new title to let him lead the nation and its military.
Kim Jong Un went on to purge and dismiss senior officials, along with the execution of his uncle and purported mentor Jang Song Thaek in 2013.
Kim Jong Un took the newly created post of the party's chairman in 2016, and in January last year he became the party's general secretary, a title previously held by his father.
Kim Jong Un has also been seeking to counter the United States by putting a greater focus on nuclear and missile development programs than his father, who used them more as diplomatic bargaining chips.
Right after Kim Jong Un became the party's first secretary, he amended the constitution to have its text explicitly describe North Korea as a nuclear power.
His administration has over the past decade fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, including some with intercontinental range, and conducted four nuclear tests.
This is a dramatic increase compared to the 16 ballistic missile launches and two nuclear tests carried out during the 17 years of Kim Jong Il's rule.
Kim Jong Un announced a five-year defense plan in January last year, which aims to develop new types of weapons.
Next Friday, North Korea is due to mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of its founder Kim Il Sung, who was the grandfather of the current leader.
Analysts say Pyongyang may stage more ballistic missile launches and hold its seventh nuclear test, to boost national morale in the run-up to the anniversary.
North Korea's state-run TV aired recorded footage of an assembly held in the capital Pyongyang on Sunday, to celebrate 10 years of Kim Jong Un at the party's helm.
Senior party officials, including his younger sister Kim Yo Jong, attended the meeting. But the leader himself was not in attendance.
Kim Jong Un has assumed various top party positions to cement his power base.
Following the death of his father Kim Jong Il in December 2011, Kim Jong Un was named as the party's first secretary at its conference in April 2012. It was a new title to let him lead the nation and its military.
Kim Jong Un went on to purge and dismiss senior officials, along with the execution of his uncle and purported mentor Jang Song Thaek in 2013.
Kim Jong Un took the newly created post of the party's chairman in 2016, and in January last year he became the party's general secretary, a title previously held by his father.
Kim Jong Un has also been seeking to counter the United States by putting a greater focus on nuclear and missile development programs than his father, who used them more as diplomatic bargaining chips.
Right after Kim Jong Un became the party's first secretary, he amended the constitution to have its text explicitly describe North Korea as a nuclear power.
His administration has over the past decade fired more than 100 ballistic missiles, including some with intercontinental range, and conducted four nuclear tests.
This is a dramatic increase compared to the 16 ballistic missile launches and two nuclear tests carried out during the 17 years of Kim Jong Il's rule.
Kim Jong Un announced a five-year defense plan in January last year, which aims to develop new types of weapons.
Next Friday, North Korea is due to mark the 110th anniversary of the birth of its founder Kim Il Sung, who was the grandfather of the current leader.
Analysts say Pyongyang may stage more ballistic missile launches and hold its seventh nuclear test, to boost national morale in the run-up to the anniversary.
North Korea's state-run TV aired recorded footage of an assembly held in the capital Pyongyang on Sunday, to celebrate 10 years of Kim Jong Un at the party's helm.
Senior party officials, including his younger sister Kim Yo Jong, attended the meeting. But the leader himself was not in attendance.
Similar Readings (5 items)
N.Korea celebrates anniversary after missile launches
Conversation: North Korea's Kim justifies nuclear and missile development
Summary: North Korea's Kim justifies nuclear and missile development
N.Korea convenes key meeting of Workers' Party Central Committee
N.Korea marks 79th anniversary of Workers' Party
Summary
10-year anniversary of Kim Jong Un as North Korean leader, ruling Workers' Party first secretary. Concerns over potential missile/nuclear tests. Assumed top party positions to consolidate power. Pursued nuclear and missile development intensely compared to father, fired >100 ballistic missiles,
Statistics
386
Words1
Read CountDetails
ID: 625363ae-784c-4060-9483-5903c0a80b98
Category ID: nhk
URL: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220411_01/
Date: April 11, 2022
Created: 2022/04/11 08:09
Updated: 2025/12/09 17:05
Last Read: 2022/04/11 08:09