Becoming Kim Jong Un is a book written by Jung H. Pak, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. The book delves into the life and rise of Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. It provides insight into his upbringing, education, and how he managed to take control of the country at a young age. The book is divided into ten chapters, each focusing on a specific aspect of Kim Jong Un’s life and rule.
The first chapter of the book provides an overview of the Kim family and their rise to power in North Korea. It discusses the founder of North Korea, Kim Il Sung, and how he established a cult of personality around himself. The chapter also talks about Kim Jong Il, the father of Kim Jong Un, and how he groomed his son to take over the country.
Chapter 2: Kim Jong Un’s Childhood and Education
The second chapter focuses on Kim Jong Un’s childhood and education. It discusses how he was educated in Switzerland and how this exposure to the outside world influenced him. The chapter also talks about how Kim Jong Un was groomed to take over the country and how he was trained in various aspects of leadership.
Chapter 3: The Death of Kim Jong Il
The third chapter discusses the death of Kim Jong Il and how it set the stage for Kim Jong Un to take over the country. It talks about the power struggle that ensued after Kim Jong Il’s death and how Kim Jong Un managed to consolidate power.
Chapter 4: Kim Jong Un’s Leadership
The fourth chapter focuses on Kim Jong Un’s leadership style and how he has managed to maintain control over the country. It talks about his use of propaganda and how he has managed to maintain the cult of personality established by his father. The chapter also discusses his efforts to modernize the country and how he has managed to maintain control over the military.
Chapter 5: North Korea’s Nuclear Program
The fifth chapter discusses North Korea’s nuclear program and how it has been a major focus of Kim Jong Un’s leadership. It talks about the country’s efforts to develop nuclear weapons and how this has led to tensions with other countries, particularly the United States.
Chapter 6: Human Rights Abuses
The sixth chapter focuses on human rights abuses in North Korea and how they have been perpetrated under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. It talks about the country’s use of forced labor camps, the treatment of political prisoners, and the lack of basic human rights.
Chapter 7: Economic Challenges
The seventh chapter discusses the economic challenges facing North Korea and how Kim Jong Un has managed to address them. It talks about the country’s reliance on China and how this has impacted its economy. The chapter also discusses the impact of sanctions on the country and how Kim Jong Un has managed to maintain control over the economy.
Chapter 8: North Korea’s Relations with South Korea and the United States
The eighth chapter focuses on North Korea’s relations with South Korea and the United States. It talks about the country’s efforts to improve relations with South Korea and how this has impacted its relations with the United States. The chapter also discusses the country’s efforts to develop missiles capable of reaching the United States.
Chapter 9: The Future of North Korea
The ninth chapter discusses the future of North Korea and how it may evolve under Kim Jong Un’s leadership. It talks about the country’s efforts to modernize and how this may impact its relations with other countries. The chapter also discusses the potential for change in the country and how this may impact its future.
Conclusion
Becoming Kim Jong Un provides a detailed look at the life and rule of Kim Jong Un, the leader of North Korea. The book delves into his upbringing, education, and how he managed to take control of the country at a young age. It provides insight into his leadership style and how he has managed to maintain control over the country. The book also discusses the challenges facing North Korea, including its nuclear program, human rights abuses, and economic challenges. Overall, Becoming Kim Jong Un is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of North Korea and its leader.