Introduction of Kim Jong-un and its involvement in the news:

Who is he and what does he and his name represent as of today ?

Kim Jong Un is a North Korean politician who has been the Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011 and the Leader of the Workers’ Party of Korea since 2012. He is the third son of Kim Jong Il, who was North Korea’s second Supreme Leader from 1994 to 2011, and Ko Yong-hui.

Westphalian identity? North Korean

How old is he? 39 years old (January 8, 1984)

Why is he in the news and what has he done to remind the world of North Korea ?

Chairman Kim Jong-un has authorised a number of weapons tests over the past ten days which culminated in a ballistic missile fired over Japan, the first time since 2017. The United States, Japan and South Korea responded with fighter jet exercises and missile launches themselves, one of which failed in South Korea. His implications towards this industry is increasing the suspicion of others. How far will his involvement and news spread will last.

Why do we care to spread this news ?

Under Chairman Kim’s leadership, North Korea has been building up its military arsenal and conducting several military drills and ballistic tests over the past few years. These actions are typically a cry for attention or a response to military drills by the US, Japan and South Korea. On the one hand, this week’s military tests are seen as a response to a military exercise between South Korea and the United States. On the other, recent intelligence has suggested that North Korea is getting ready to test another nuclear weapon.

Why should you care and how will this effect you ?

How does this news will affect your life within your environment ?

First of all, how is this man still only 40 years old? It feels like he has been around forever and he looks a lot older than he actually is. Second, this is another chapter in a book full of similar stories. You should care 2/10 about the missiles, 8/10 about the age. 

These new changes in the dynamic with North Korea, is clearly important to everyone’s life. Even if you may not be directly in coordination with North Korea, these factors will be affecting you. North Korea is one of the strong powers in the world. If Kim pursues his different tests, some of his test could end up being damaging to a land or a group of individuals. It is extremely important to stay alarmed and informed regarding all these drastic measures being taken in Asia.

Who else cares and what effect will this have ?

Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. His population woke up in panic over sirens alarmed by the North Korean missiles. Kishida called the launches “violent behaviour” and that his country would reserve its right to counterattack. On all of this, Kishida was reaffirmed by US President Biden of his “ironclad commitment to Japan’s defense”. 

Any further comments?

Chairman Kim is also in the news about something completely unrelated to these tests (or maybe not?!). Some of the letters exchanged between him and President Trump during diplomatic engagements in 2018 have been leaked revealing an … interesting relationship and dynamic between the two. “I extend my warmest regards for your excellency’s birthday,” Kim wrote. Two days later, Trump thanked Kim for his birthday letter and said the two leaders shared a “unique relationship and a special friendship.” Which is not what most of us would except from a relationship with such powerful leaders.