Origins & Early Life

Kim Jong Un (born 8 January c. 1982–1984) is a North Korean politician and dictator who has been serving as the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011, following the death of his father, Kim Jong Il. He is the third ruler from the Kim family to lead the country, which was founded by his grandfather Kim Il Sung. Kim holds the positions of general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and president of the State Affairs Commission, as well as the highest offices in the Korean People's Army.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The second of three children of Kim Jong Il and his mistress Ko Yong Hui, Kim studied at the International School of Berne in Switzerland before attending Kim Il Sung University between 2002 and 2007. From 2009, Kim was viewed as the successor to the North Korean leadership. Following his father's death in 2011, state television announced Kim as the "great successor to the revolutionary cause". He assumed various leadership posts, and also became member of the Presidium of the WPK Politburo, the highest decision-making body in the country. In July 2012, Kim was promoted to the highest rank of marshal in the Korean People's Army, consolidating his positions as commander-in-chief of the Armed...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• AB de Villiers — Contemporary (Born in 1984) (1984): Iconic South African cricketer, celebrated for his all-around batting genius.
• Alfred Kastler — Contemporary (Died in 1984) (1984): Pioneering physicist known for developing the technique of optical pumping.
• Andrés Iniesta — Contemporary (Born in 1984) (1984): Legendary Spanish midfielder, celebrated for sublime ball control and agility.
• Alexander Prokhorov — Shared historical date (01-08 · Died) (2002): Soviet physicist known for fundamental work on optics, leading to the laser and maser.
• Alfred Russel Wallace — Shared historical date (01-08 · Born) (1823): Naturalist and explorer who independently conceived the theory of evolution.
• 1982 NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): The 44th annual NCAA Division I men's basketball tournament.
• Alan Ritchson — Historical peer (Born in 1982) (1982): American actor known for roles in Reacher, Titans, and superhero franchises.
• Andy Kaufman — Historical peer (Died in 1984) (1984): Pioneering performance artist known for anti-comedy and character work.
• Ansel Adams — Historical peer (Died in 1984) (1984): Iconic photographer and environmentalist celebrated for the American West's landscapes.
• Amy Winehouse — Historical peer (Died in 2011) (2011): Iconic British soul artist blending jazz, R&B, and retro sounds.
• 1984 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1984
• January 8 (01-08) On This Day — Historical birthdays and events on January 8