From Waiting in the Wings to the World Stage

December 22, 2011 from LinkAsia

Groomed from birth as the heir apparent to one of the most ruthless dictators on the planet, Kim Jong-un has stepped into the spotlight as the new leader of the DPRK.

(more) (less)

In This Video

North Korea

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly called North Korea, is a country in East Asia, in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula. Its capital is Pyongyang, the country's largest city by both land area and population. The Amnok River and the Tumen River form the ... Explore this topic

Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-un —also romanised as Kim Jong-eun, Kim Jong Un or Kim Jung-eun—is the supreme leader of North Korea, the son of Kim Jong-il and the grandson of Kim Il-sung. He has held the titles of the First Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the Chairman of the Central Mili... Explore this topic

Kim Jong-il

Kim Jong-il, was the supreme leader of North Korea from 1994 to 2011. He succeeded his father and founder of the DPRK Kim Il-sung following the elder Kim's death in 1994. Kim Jong-il was the general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defence Com... Explore this topic

Pyongyang

Pyongyang is the capital of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly known as North Korea, and the largest city in the country. Pyongyang is located on the Taedong River and, according to preliminary results from the 2008 population census, has a population of 3,255... Explore this topic

Heir apparent

An heir apparent or heiress apparent is a person who is first in line of succession and cannot be displaced from inheriting, except by death or a change in the rules of succession. An heir presumptive or heiress presumptive, by contrast, is someone who is first in line to inhe... Explore this topic

Korean Central News Agency

The Korean Central News Agency is the state news agency of North Korea that was established on December 5, 1946. The agency portrays the putative views of the Workers' Party of Korea and the North Korean government for foreign consumption. KCNA is headquartered in the capital ... Explore this topic

LinkAsia

From Beijng to Tokyo, from Seoul to New Delhi and beyond, LinkAsia takes viewers into media about Asia -- from Asia -- offering unfiltered insight into one of the most diverse, fast-paced regions of the globe. Each week, LinkAsia brings you a unique half-hour program that co... Explore this topic

Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation

÷ The Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks, and is the oldest among all commercial broadcasting networks in South Korea. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television station is ... Explore this topic

Also See

North Korea

Kim Jong-un

Kim Jong-il

Watch Next

0:32

Raw Video: Rodman Leaves DPRK, Hails 'Awesome' Kim

Telegraph.co.uk | Mar 1

Dennis Rodman wrapped up his bizarre "basketball diplomacy" trip to Pyongyang with some words of praise for the Kim dynasty. Kim Jong-un is an "awe...

Latest Headlines

Latest Snowden Leak: Brits Spied on G20 Leaders

From Al Jazeera English | Jun 17

New Kink for Afghan Beauty Salons: The Taliban

From Al Jazeera English | Jun 17

Raw Video: Killer Monsoon Washes Away India Apartments

From Associated Press | Jun 17

Get Link

Transcript

Reporter:
Kim Jong-un recently shadowed Kim Jong-il during his inspections of the troops in the city of Pyongyang. He resembles his grandfather, the deceased great leader Kim Il-sung. Kim Jong-un followed Kim Jung-il, attending every formal function and obviously playing the role of successor until Kim Jong-il's passing.

He turns 29 years old this year and is the third son after his brother Jong-nam and Jong-chul. His mother, Koh Young-hee, passed away in 2004. Kim Jung-un attended public school in Switzerland and graduated from Kim Il-sung Military University.

Hidden in a veil of mystery, Kim Jong-un made his public debut only two years ago. After Kim Jong-il's stroke in 2008, people started wondering about who would succeed him as the leader of North Korea.

Kenji Fujimoto, who was Kim Jong-il's chef for 13 years, described Kim Jong-un as decisive and competitive, making him his father's favorite from a young age.

Kenji Fujimoto:
When they were young, Kim Jong-un was the one who made decisions, and his brother Jong-chul just followed him. In that way, they are different.

Reporter:
Kim Jong-un is more likely to be open-minded to the world because of his experience living in a foreign country when he was young, but he is also known to be impetuous and aggressive, so whatever he does next, he's sure to draw attention.

LinkTV World News app now on the iPad!

Watch Next

Latest Headlines