Kim Jong Un is a North Korean politician who has served as the supreme leader of North Korea since 2011, succeeding his father, Kim Jong Il, after his death. He is the third member of the Kim family to lead North Korea, following Kim Jong Il and the country’s founder, Kim Il Sung.

Kim serves as general secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs Commission, and he holds senior authority over the Korean People’s Army.

In the supplied news context, Kim has strengthened relations with Russia, including by sending thousands of troops and conventional weapons in support of Russia’s war in Ukraine, while also moving to improve ties with China. The article describes these relationships as part of North Korea’s efforts to obtain economic and military assistance and strengthen its position against the United States.