If you’re looking for a simple name, here it is: Kim Jong Un. He’s the guy. He has been the guy since late 2011. But honestly, if you walked up to a government official in Pyongyang and asked "who is North Korea president," you might get a very long, very confused look.
Terms matter there. A lot.
In most countries, "President" is a straightforward title. In the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), it’s a bit of a linguistic minefield. For a long time, the country technically had an "Eternal President," and it wasn't the guy currently sitting in the chair. It was his grandfather, Kim Il Sung, who died back in 1994.
The Man With Many Names
Kim Jong Un doesn't just have one job. He’s the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea. He is also the President of the State Affairs Commission. Most people just call him the "Supreme Leader."
It’s a family business. He’s the third in a dynastic line that started when the country was founded after World War II. First came the grandfather (Kim Il Sung), then the father (Kim Jong Il), and now the son. You’ve probably seen the photos. The black coats. The specific haircut. The way everyone around him seems to be frantically scribbling in notebooks.
That’s not just for show. In North Korea, his word is literally the law.
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Is There Actually a "President"?
Here is where it gets weird. For years, the title of "President" was officially retired to honor the founder. Kim Jong Un eventually took on the title of President of the State Affairs Commission around 2021. Before that, his titles were things like "First Chairman."
Why the switch?
Analysts like those at 38 North or the Council on Foreign Relations suggest it was about looking like a "normal" state. If you want to meet with world leaders—like the famous summits with Donald Trump or Vladimir Putin—it helps to have a title that translates easily on a business card.
But don't let the "normal" title fool you. His power is absolute. He isn't elected in any way that someone in London or Washington would recognize. There are elections, sure. But there’s only one name on the ballot. You either vote for him or you effectively out yourself as a traitor.
What is Kim Jong Un Doing in 2026?
As of early 2026, Kim Jong Un is leaning hard into two things: Russia and his daughter.
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Lately, he’s been seen everywhere with a young girl, likely Kim Ju Ae. She’s been at missile launches, banquets, and even the 2026 New Year’s celebrations in Pyongyang. Most experts think he’s grooming her to be the fourth Kim to run the show. It’s a huge deal because North Korea is a deeply patriarchal society. Having a woman in charge would be a massive shift, but if she has the Kim bloodline, that usually trumps everything else.
Then there’s the Russia connection.
North Korea has been shipping a massive amount of artillery and even troops to help Russia in Ukraine. In exchange, they’re likely getting food, fuel, and—more worrying for the West—missile technology. If you see news about North Korea boosting missile production this year, that’s why. They are essentially acting as a backdoor factory for Moscow.
Life Under the Supreme Leader
Basically, the country operates on an ideology called Juche. It means self-reliance. The idea is that North Korea doesn't need anyone else.
The reality is different.
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The country is poor. Like, really poor. While Kim Jong Un lives in luxury—rumors of private islands, expensive horses, and high-end Swiss watches—much of the population deals with chronic food shortages.
He recently shifted away from the goal of "peaceful reunification" with South Korea. He’s now labeling the South as a "primary foe." This isn't just tough talk. He’s been tearing down monuments dedicated to the idea of one Korea. He’s preparing his people for the idea that a permanent state of war or "total separation" is the new normal.
Key Things to Remember
- Who is the leader? Kim Jong Un.
- What is his actual title? General Secretary of the Workers' Party and President of the State Affairs Commission.
- How long has he been in power? Since December 2011.
- Is he healthy? There’s always rumors. He smokes a lot and has gained weight, which keeps intelligence agencies busy guessing about his heart health.
- Who is next? Likely his daughter, Kim Ju Ae, though nothing is official until it's official.
If you’re trying to keep up with North Korean politics, stop looking for "President" in the headlines. Look for "Supreme Leader" or "Respected Comrade." That’s how the state-run KCNA (Korean Central News Agency) refers to him.
The situation is constantly moving. With the Ninth Party Congress looming, we’re probably going to see even more titles added to his name. Whether that changes anything for the average person in Pyongyang is a different story. Usually, it just means more posters and more parades.
Keep an eye on the daughter. If she starts getting her own military titles this year, you’ll know the succession is set in stone.