Kim Jong Un

Force in Play

Told company commanders in October to build the 'strongest' military and visited China on October 24 over the new Yalu River Bridge; missile launches continue.

North Korea fired about 10 short-range ballistic missiles from the Wonsan area toward the East Sea on October 29, South Korea's military said. The launch came as Seoul accused Pyongyang of a landmine blast that wounded three South Korean soldiers, an accusation the North denied.

Updated Nov 1

Built World

Crossed the new Yalu River Bridge into Dandong, China, on October 24, 2026

Kim Jong Un crossed the New Yalu River Bridge into the Chinese border city of Dandong on October 24, nine days after the four-lane span opened, a South Korean government source told Yonhap. China finished its half of the bridge in 2014; it sat unused while North Korea built approach roads and a customs post.

Updated Oct 24

New Capabilities

As of September 2026: Overseeing expansion of the country's nuclear weapons program

North Korea has completed a second uranium enrichment facility at Yongbyon, the International Atomic Energy Agency says. The two-storey building can house up to 28 centrifuge cascades, and an expanded annex at Kangson began operating in January 2026.

Updated Sep 10

Force in Play

As of September 2026: Leading deepening alliance with Russia, considering expanded troop deployments

North Korea has not sent combat troops abroad since the Korean War ended in 1953. In October 2024, about 12,000 to 15,000 soldiers deployed to Russia's Kursk region. In August 2026, Ukraine reported a new wave of 8,500 troops, including drone operators, and a North Korean missile unit moved to western Russia.

Updated Sep 8

Force in Play

As of August 2026: North Korea's first official reaction, delivered by his sister Kim Yo Jong, dismisses the drill cutback and denies knowledge of any contact with Trump

President Trump ordered the Pentagon to shrink the largest annual U.S.-South Korea military exercise. The drill ended six days early, on Aug. 21 instead of the planned Aug. 27, after the Pentagon canceled or simulated some live-training events.

Updated Aug 20

Force in Play

As of May 2026: In power; actively grooming successor

South Korea's National Intelligence Service told lawmakers on April 6 that it's now "fair to view" Kim Ju Ae — Kim Jong Un's approximately 13-year-old daughter — as his designated successor. The assessment cites her completed successor training and expanded public profile, including appearances driving tanks and firing weapons at military events.

Updated May 30

Built World

As of May 2026: Overseeing controlled reopening while deepening military ties with Russia

North Korea sealed its borders on January 23, 2020, before most countries had heard of COVID-19. For six years it operated in near-total isolation: China trade fell 96%, food reached levels not seen since the 1990s famine that killed hundreds of thousands, and no tourists entered.

Updated May 30

New Capabilities

As of May 2026: Overseeing rapid nuclear expansion, revealing nuclear submarine, and preparing for 2026 party congress with new weapons production push

North Korea has conducted over 272 missile launches since 2012, with the pace accelerating dramatically. In late December 2025, Kim Jong Un watched cruise missiles fly for nearly three hours before hitting their targets, declaring the need for 'unlimited and sustained' nuclear expansion.

Updated May 16