E-Paper
Mystery wrapped in an enigma: the known unknowns of Kim Jong-un
Much like his father, North Korea's new young leader Kim Jong-un is viewed by much of the outside world with a heady mix of incomprehension, ridicule and fear. One month later, they're wondering if he might be on the brink of tipping the Korean peninsula into a catastrophic conflict.
Much like his father Kim Jong-il, North Korea's new young leader Kim Jong-un is viewed by much of the outside world with a heady mix of incomprehension, ridicule and fear.
In early March, people were shaking their heads in bemusement at photos of Kim partying with flamboyant former NBA star Dennis Rodman in Pyongyang after watching a basketball game together.
One month later, they're wondering if he might be on the brink of tipping the Korean peninsula into a catastrophic conflict.
The current crisis, with its nuclear threats and Kim's lurid exhortations to his troops to "break the waists of the crazy enemies and totally cut their windpipes" has placed the young leader firmly in the global spotlight.
But while more of a public personality than his introverted father ever was, Kim remains an enigmatic figure, especially on a personal level. More: Meet North Korea's new Kim, same as the old Kims?
He's young, but it's unclear how young, with reports ranging from 28 to 30. He has a stylish, attractive wife, but how many children he has or what gender they are is a mystery.
