Kim Jong-il Net Worth is a topic of much curiosity and speculation. At the time of his death, Kim Jong-il, the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, was believed to have amassed a net worth of approximately $4 billion. He passed away on December 17, 2011, at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy that continues to intrigue the world.
Leadership and Legacy
Kim Jong-il rose to power after succeeding his father, Kim Il-sung, the founder of North Korea, who died in 1994. As the Chairman of the National Defense Commission and General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, he commanded the Korean People’s Army, the fourth-largest standing army globally. In April 2009, the North Korean constitution was amended to designate Kim as the ‘supreme leader.’ Many North Koreans were led to believe in his ‘magical’ abilities, such as controlling the weather based on his mood. Following his death, he was posthumously titled the ‘Eternal Chairman of the National Defence Commission’ and the ‘Eternal General Secretary’ of the WPK.
What is Kim Jong-il net worth?
| Name | Kim Jong-il |
|---|---|
| Category: | Richest Politicians › Presidents |
| Net Worth: | $4 Billion |
| Birthdate: | Feb 16, 1941 – Dec 17, 2011 (70 years old) |
| Birthplace: | Vyatskoye, Khabarovsk Krai |
| Gender: | Male |
| Height: | 5 ft 2 in (1.6 m) |
| Profession: | Politician |
| Nationality: | North Korea |
Early Life
Official narratives claim that Kim Jong-il was born on February 16, 1942, in a secret military camp in Japanese-occupied Korea. However, Soviet records suggest he was born as Yuri Irsenovich Kim in Vyatskoye, Khabarovsk Krai, Russia, on February 16, 1941. His early life was marked by family tragedies, such as the death of his mother, Kim Jong-suk, in 1949, and his brother’s drowning in 1947. Kim’s father remarried, and he reportedly had three more children.
Educationally, Kim attended Pyongyang’s Primary School No. 4 and Middle School No. 1, as per his biography. He was active in the Democratic Youth League and the Korean Children’s Union. In 1960, he graduated from Namsan Higher Middle School and went on to study Marxist political economy at Kim Il Sung University.
Political Ascendancy
After completing his education in 1964, Kim Jong-il swiftly climbed the ranks within the Korean Workers’ Party. By the 1980s, he was being groomed to succeed his father. During the Sixth Party Congress in 1980, he assumed significant roles in the Military Commission, the Secretariat, and the Politburo. In 1982, he was appointed to the Seventh Supreme People’s Assembly. Despite lacking military experience, he became the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army in 1991. The following year, Kim Il-sung placed him in charge of internal affairs. By 1993, Kim Jong-il was the Chairman of the National Defence Commission.
Upon his father’s death in 1994, Kim officially became the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea in 1997. Under his rule, a 2004 Human Rights Watch report highlighted North Korea as one of the ‘world’s most repressive governments,’ citing political oppression and lack of freedoms. In 2008, Kim suffered two strokes, impairing his movement and speech. Nevertheless, he was re-elected as chairman of the National Defence Commission in 2009, making a public appearance at the Supreme People’s Assembly for the first time since the strokes.
Literary Contributions
Kim Jong-il was purported to have authored nearly 900 works from 1964 to 1994. The Kim Jong-il’s Works Exhibition House in North Korea houses over 1,100 writings attributed to him. His notable works include ‘Let Us Make Party Work Thorough Work with People’ (1965) and ‘On the Art of the Cinema’ (1973), among others.
Personal Life
Kim’s personal life was as complex as his political one. He married Hong Il-chon in 1966, with whom he had a daughter, Kim Hye-kyung, before their 1969 divorce. He later married Kim Young-sook in 1974, and they had a daughter, Kim Sul-song. Despite being married at his death, they were estranged. Kim also had several mistresses, fathering children with them, including Kim Jong-nam, Kim Jong-chul, and the current leader, Kim Jong-un.
Kim had a notable fear of flying, opting for train travel instead. A cinema aficionado, his film collection reportedly exceeded 20,000 titles, with a penchant for franchises like ‘James Bond’ and ‘Godzilla.’ In 1978, he notoriously ordered the kidnapping of South Korean film director Shin Sang-ok and his wife to produce films for him.
Passing and Commemoration
Kim Jong-il’s death was announced on December 19, 2011, two days posthumously, reportedly from a heart attack while on a train journey. His third son, Kim Jong-un, succeeded him, marking the continuation of the dynasty. A national mourning period was observed from December 17 to 29, with his funeral held on December 28 in Pyongyang. His body was later placed on permanent display at Kumsusan Memorial Palace. His birthday is celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star, an auspicious holiday in North Korea.
Real Estate Holdings
Kim Jong-il’s opulence was evident in his possession of 20 to 30 homes, including a compound in Pyongyang, a beach house, and various residences outside the capital. Many properties boasted private train stations, swimming pools, and lakes, reflecting his taste for luxury.
What is Kim Jong-il’s estimated net worth?
According to various sources, the estimated net worth of Kim Jong-il, the former leader of North Korea, ranges from $4 billion to $5 billion. However, due to the secretive nature of the country, it is difficult to determine an exact figure. His wealth is believed to have been accumulated through control of state-owned industries and resources
How did Kim Jong-il acquire his wealth?
Kim Jong-il acquired his wealth through a combination of inherited assets, control over state-owned enterprises, and illicit activities such as counterfeiting and drug trafficking. He also received significant financial support from foreign governments, particularly China. His lavish lifestyle and spending on weapons programs further depleted the country’s resources and contributed to the economic struggles of the North Korean people
Is Kim Jong-il’s net worth publicly known?
No, Kim Jong-il’s net worth is not publicly known. As the former leader of North Korea, his personal finances were kept highly secretive and inaccessible to the public. However, it is estimated that he had control over billions of dollars in state funds during his reign
What is the source of Kim Jong-il’s income?
Kim Jong-il’s income came from various sources, including state-owned enterprises, foreign investments, and illicit activities such as drug trafficking and counterfeiting. He also received financial support from other countries, particularly China. His lavish lifestyle and military spending drained the country’s resources, leading to economic struggles for its citizens
How does Kim Jong-il’s net worth compare to other world leaders?
Kim Jong-il’s net worth is estimated to be around $5 billion, making him one of the wealthiest world leaders in history. This is significantly higher than the net worth of other current world leaders, such as Vladimir Putin and Angela Merkel. However, it is important to note that the exact amount of his wealth is difficult to determine due to the secretive nature of North Korea’s government
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