Kim Jong Un’s North Korea: Leadership changes under the new leader | NK News
NK News Logo
September 24, 2026Sep 24, 2026

Weapon Directory

Analysis

Kim Jong Un’s North Korea: Leadership changes under the new leader

The first five years of Kim Jong Un have seen a range of structural and political changes

This is part of NK News’ series of opinion and analysis of the first five years of Kim Jong Un’s rule.

2016 is approaching its end, leaving North Korean historians a lot to write about. While celebrating the Dear Leader on the anniversary of his death, on December 17, 2011, Kim Jong Un may look at his first five years in power and give a sigh of relief for having been able to successfully overcome the second succession in the history of the country and become its undisputed ruler.

The two major political events of this year: the 7th