Three Generations of Power: The Kim Family's Rule Over North Korea

1Kim Il-sung, originally named Kim Song-ju, was the founder and the first Supreme Leader of North Korea. Born under Japanese colonial rule in Korea, he fled to Northeast China in his early years, participating in anti-Japanese guerrilla activities and becoming a prominent leader of the Anti-Japanese Allied Forces. In 1948, with Soviet support, Kim Il-sung established the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea), promoting socialism and the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance and independence. In 1950, he launched the Korean War, which ended in 1953 with an armistice agreement, solidifying the division between North and South Korea. During his rule, North Korea developed a highly centralized political system and a strong cult of personality around him. After his death in 1994, he was posthumously titled "Eternal President," and his son Kim Jong-il succeeded him as leader.

Kim Song-ae was Kim Il-sung's third wife and served as his secretary before marrying him in 1952 during the Korean War. As the conflict was ongoing, no formal wedding ceremony was held. In the 1960s, she began appearing on the political stage as North Korea's First Lady and became Vice Chair and Chair of the North Korean Women's League. In 1980, she was appointed as a member of the Standing Committee of the Supreme People's Assembly, making her a nominal state leader.

Kim Jong-il, the second Supreme Leader of North Korea and son of Kim Il-sung, was known as the "Great Leader." After Kim Il-sung's death in 1994, Kim Jong-il officially took power, serving as the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, Chairman of the National Defense Commission, and Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, becoming the de facto ruler of North Korea. His tenure faced severe economic difficulties, a food crisis, and tense international relations, particularly with the United States and South Korea. Kim Jong-il passed away in 2011, and his son Kim Jong-un succeeded him, continuing the family's dynastic rule. Kim Jong-il reportedly had four wives and ten children.

Sung Hye-rim, regarded as Kim Il-sung's second wife, was reportedly not formally married to him. She passed away in Moscow in 2002. Their son, Kim Jong-nam, was assassinated in Malaysia in 2017 due to power struggles within the regime.

Kim Young-sook was Kim Jong-il's third wife, whom he married in 1974. She previously worked as a typist in Kim Il-sung's office.

Ko Yong-hui, considered Kim Jong-il's fourth wife, began living with him in 1977, though it is unclear if they were formally married. She was born in Japan to Korean parents and reportedly passed away in 2004. She is the biological mother of Kim Jong-un.

Kim Ok, regarded as Kim Jong-il's fifth wife, worked as his "technical secretary" in the 1980s and officially married him after 2008.

Kim Jong-un, the second son of Kim Jong-il and Ko Yong-hui, is the third Supreme Leader of North Korea. He studied abroad in Switzerland during the mid-1990s to early 2000s under an alias, attending the International School of Bern. During his time there, he studied English, German, and French and showed a strong interest in basketball, computers, and sports. Despite living abroad, Kim Jong-un maintained a low profile, and the school was unaware of his true background. It is believed that this overseas experience exposed him to Western culture and ideas.

Ri Sol-ju is Kim Jong-un's wife and is honored with the title "First Lady." Born around 1989, she is believed to hail from North Hamgyong Province. She was a singer with the Unhasu Orchestra and gained attention for her artistic talent. Ri Sol-ju married Kim Jong-un in 2010 or 2011, and they are believed to have three children. She frequently accompanies Kim Jong-un at major events, adding a touch of grace and charm to North Korea's political stage. Despite her public appearances, details about her personal life remain scarce, drawing significant international interest.

Kim Ju-ae is Kim Jong-un's daughter, speculated to be his second child with Ri Sol-ju. She was first mentioned in 2013 by American basketball star Dennis Rodman, who referred to her as "Ju-ae," describing her as gentle and lovely. Since 2022, she has appeared at official North Korean events, often accompanying her father during military inspections, garnering significant attention. Although her identity has not been officially confirmed by North Korea, she is seen as a potential future successor, reflecting the regime's emphasis on family legacy.