March 29, 2024
Analysis

Kim Jong Un skips full year of military drills and missile tests for first time

Health issues likely played a role in abnormally inactive year for North Korean leader

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not officially appear at any of the country’s missile tests or military drills for the entire calendar year, the first time he has done so since coming to power 10 years ago, according to new analysis of NK Pro Leadership Tracker and Missile Tracker data. 

Kim’s absences throughout 2021 came amid his least active year yet in terms of field inspections and official travel around the country, both considered vital tasks of the leader under official North Korean state mythology and propaganda.

Become a member for less than $4 per week.

  • Unlimited access to all of NK News: reporting, investigations, analysis
  • The NK News Daily Update, an email newsletter to keep you in the loop
  • Searchable archive of all content, photo galleries, special columns
  • Contact NK News reporters with tips or requests for reporting
Get unlimited access to all NK News content, including original reporting, investigations, and analyses by our team of DPRK experts.
Subscribe now

All major cards accepted. No commitments – you can cancel any time.