Kim Jong-il Net Worth is a topic of intrigue and speculation, especially considering his enigmatic leadership of North Korea. At the time of his death, Kim Jong-il was believed to have amassed a net worth of approximately $4 billion. This substantial wealth accumulated over his years as the Supreme Leader of the Democratic Peopleโs Republic of Korea (North Korea). Kim Jong-il passed away on December 17, 2011, at the age of 70, leaving behind a complex legacy.
The Rise of Kim Jong-il
Kim Jong-il succeeded his father, Kim Il-sung, the founding leader of the DPRK, after the elder Kim’s death in 1994. As the Chairman of the National Defense Commission and the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), Kim Jong-il wielded considerable power. He was also the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army, which was one of the world’s largest standing armies. In 2009, North Korea’s constitution was amended to officially designate Kim as the ‘supreme leader,’ a title that reflected both his political control and the quasi-mystical status he held among many North Koreans, who believed he could control the weather with his moods. Upon his death, he was honored with titles like ‘Eternal Chairman of the National Defence Commission’ and ‘Eternal General Secretary’ of the WPK.
What is Kim Jong-il net worth?
| Name | Kim Jong-il |
|---|---|
| Category: | Richest Politicians โบ 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 |
Origins and Early Years
The official biography of Kim Jong-il claims he was born on February 16, 1942, at a secret military camp in Japanese-occupied Korea. However, Soviet records provide a different account, indicating his birth as Yuri Irsenovich Kim on February 16, 1941, in Vyatskoye, Russia. Kim’s early years were marked by personal tragedy, with his mother passing away in 1949 and his younger brother drowning in 1947. Despite these hardships, Kim pursued his education in North Korea, graduating from Namsan Higher Middle School in 1960 and later studying Marxist political economy at Kim Il Sung University.
Path to Power
Following his university graduation in 1964, Kim Jong-il began ascending the ranks within the Korean Workers’ Party. By the 1980s, he was being groomed to succeed his father. The Sixth Party Congress in 1980 saw him acquire senior positions in the Military Commission, Secretariat, and Politburo. Despite lacking military experience, he became Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army in 1991. In the following years, he consolidated power, becoming Chairman of the National Defence Commission in 1993. His leadership, however, was often criticized for its repressive nature, as highlighted in a 2004 Human Rights Watch report.
Kim Jong-il’s Literary Contributions
Kim Jong-il was an avid writer, reportedly publishing nearly 900 works between 1964 and 1994. The Kim Jong-il’s Works Exhibition House in North Korea preserves over 1,100 of his writings. His notable works include ‘Let Us Make Party Work Thorough Work with People’ (1965) and ‘On the Art of the Cinema’ (1973), reflecting his interest in both political and cultural themes.
Personal Life and Interests
Kim Jong-il’s personal life was complex, with multiple marriages and offspring. His first marriage to Hong Il-chon produced a daughter before their divorce. He later married Kim Young-sook, with whom he had another daughter, though they were reportedly estranged later in life. Kim also had several mistresses and children with them, including his successor Kim Jong-un. Known for his aversion to flying, Kim preferred traveling by train and had a passion for films, owning a vast collection of over 20,000 titles. His love for cinema even led to the notorious abduction of South Korean film director Shin Sang-ok and actress Choi Eun-hee.
Final Days and Legacy
Kim Jong-il’s death was announced by the North Korean government on December 19, 2011, two days after he reportedly died of a heart attack while traveling by train. His son, Kim Jong-un, quickly rose to power, taking over leadership roles. Following Kim Jong-il’s death, North Korea observed a period of national mourning, and his body was placed on permanent display at Kumsusan Memorial Palace. His birthday is now celebrated as the Day of the Shining Star, signifying his enduring impact on the nation.
Properties and Wealth
Kim Jong-il owned between 20 to 30 homes, which included opulent residences in Pyongyang and other locations. These properties featured amenities like private train stations, swimming pools, and lakes, underscoring the lavish lifestyle he led amidst a nation facing economic challenges. The net worth attributed to Kim Jong-il continues to fascinate and mystify, reflecting both his personal power and the opaque nature of North Korea’s leadership.
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 enterprises and embezzlement of government funds
How did Kim Jong-il acquire his wealth?
Kim Jong-il acquired his wealth through a combination of inherited assets, state-controlled industries, and illicit activities such as drug trafficking and counterfeiting. He also received significant financial support from foreign governments, particularly China. His extravagant lifestyle and lack of transparency in financial matters contributed to his immense wealth
Is Kim Jong-il’s net worth still growing after his death?
Despite his death in 2011, Kim Jong-il’s net worth continues to grow due to the ongoing control of his family over North Korea’s economy and resources. Additionally, his cult of personality and propaganda efforts contribute to the country’s GDP, further increasing his wealth posthumously
What was Kim Jong-il’s main source of income?
Kim Jong-il’s main source of income was through the exploitation of natural resources, such as coal and iron ore, and the production of weapons and military equipment. He also received foreign aid from countries like China and Russia. Additionally, he controlled the country’s economy through state-owned enterprises and strict regulations on imports and exports. This allowed him to amass a personal fortune while his people suffered from poverty and famine
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. However, this pales in comparison to other leaders like Vladimir Putin and the Saudi royal family, who have net worths in the tens of billions. Despite his wealth, North Korea remains one of the poorest countries in the world, highlighting the vast wealth disparity between its leader and its citizens
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