Kim Jong Un: Facts on His Rule, Family, LGBTQ Rights & More

Kim Jong Un is often portrayed as a cartoon villain or diplomatic wildcard, but the verifiable record of his rule — from daily life in North Korea to his own family — is far more complex. This article presents what’s known from authoritative sources, separating fact from speculation.

Birth: c. 1982–1984 ·
Assumed power: December 2011 ·
Title: Supreme Leader of North Korea ·
Predecessor: Kim Jong-il (father) ·
Known for: Dictatorial rule, nuclear program development

Six key facts about Kim Jong Un, drawn from the most authoritative sources available:

Is Kim Jong Un a good ruler?

Overview of Kim Jong Un’s rule

Kim Jong Un assumed power in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il (Wikipedia). He inherited a one-party dictatorship built on a cult of personality centered on the Kim family—what the regime calls the Mount Paektu bloodline (Wikipedia). Under his leadership, the Workers’ Party of Korea remains the sole political authority, and the state controls every aspect of public life.

Economic and political record

• North Korea has conducted multiple nuclear tests under Kim Jong Un, including a claimed hydrogen bomb test in 2017 (CFR backgrounder).
• International reports document widespread human rights abuses, including political prison camps, forced labor, and public executions (Human Rights Watch, 2024).
• The economy remains heavily sanctioned, with the World Bank estimating GDP per capita at roughly $1,000–$1,800 in purchasing power terms (World Bank).

The implication: By any measure of governance that includes human freedom and economic opportunity, the record is clear. But the regime’s own definition of “good” is survival of the dynasty.

Does Kim Jong Un have kids?

Known children and their public appearances

Kim Jong Un is married to Ri Sol-ju, whom he wed in 2009 according to official accounts (Wikipedia). South Korean intelligence believes the couple has three children, though only one has been publicly identified: a daughter, Kim Ju-ae (Britannica).

Kim Ju-ae first appeared in state media at a military event in November 2022, when she was estimated to be around 12–13 years old (Reuters). In September 2025, she accompanied her father on a trip to Beijing—her first public overseas outing, leading analysts to view her as the most probable successor (Reuters).

The pattern: The emergence of a female heir reshapes succession dynamics in a system previously dominated by male lineage.

Are LGBTQ allowed in North Korea?

Legal status of LGBTQ rights

Same-sex sexual activity is illegal in North Korea under the Criminal Code, which penalizes “sodomy” with up to two years of imprisonment or forced labor (Human Rights Watch, 2024). The law does not distinguish between consensual and non-consensual acts, and there are no anti-discrimination protections based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

Social attitudes toward LGBTQ individuals

• LGBTQ individuals face severe social stigma and are often subjected to harassment and violence (Human Rights Watch, 2024).
• The state-run media promotes a strictly heteronormative ideal, and any deviation is treated as a threat to the socialist moral order (Human Rights Watch, 2024).
• No LGBTQ organizations, pride events, or public advocacy groups exist in the country.

The pattern: North Korea is one of the most repressive environments for LGBTQ people globally, and there is no sign of reform under Kim Jong Un.

Are Trump and Kim Jong Un still friends?

Timeline of Trump-Kim diplomacy

• 2018: First summit in Singapore—the first-ever meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader (CFR).
• 2019 February: Second summit in Hanoi collapses over disagreements on denuclearization and sanctions relief (CFR).
• 2019 June: Trump steps into North Korea at the DMZ, a symbolic gesture (CFR).

Current status of their relationship

Trump left office in January 2021, and no new interactions between the two men have been reported. The Biden administration has pursued a policy of “calibrated pressure” and has not held any leader-level talks with Kim Jong Un (CFR). Kim has continued to develop missile programs, including intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The trade-off: The personal rapport Trump claimed was real, but it did not translate into a verifiable denuclearization deal. For Kim, the U.S. election cycle no longer provides a direct channel.

How much is 1$ in North Korea?

Official exchange rate vs. black market rate

The official currency is the North Korean won (KPW). The government-set official rate in 2025 is approximately 900 won per U.S. dollar (Reuters). However, the black market rate—which reflects actual purchasing power—is significantly higher, ranging from 8,000 to 10,000 won per dollar, according to reports from defectors and traders (NK News).

Currency restrictions and usage in North Korea

• Foreigners are typically required to use U.S. dollars, euros, or Chinese yuan, not the local won (Britannica).
• The government strictly controls currency exchange; unauthorized dealings are punishable.
• Black markets operate in urban areas, but access is dangerous for locals.

The catch: The official rate is fictional for most practical purposes. For anyone visiting or trading, the real exchange is the black market rate, which is about ten times higher.

Is there a McDonald’s in North Korea?

No Western fast-food chains like McDonald’s operate in North Korea due to strict controls on foreign businesses. Visitors can find local alternatives such as Samtaesong in Pyongyang (NK News).

Frequently asked questions

For the average reader wondering about North Korea’s safety, currency, or human rights record, the facts are clear but uncomfortable. The country remains a closed state where the leader’s word is law, and information is tightly controlled. Whether you’re a traveler, an investor, or simply a curious observer, the implication is straightforward: treat any claim about North Korea with skepticism unless it comes from a verified source like Human Rights Watch or CFR. For the Kim dynasty, the next chapter is already being written—and it may involve a teenage daughter.