Kim Jong il, the former leader of North Korea, was not only known for his political and military roles but also for his immense financial power.
As we dive into Kim Jong il net worth, we’ll uncover how his control over industries, properties, and his influential positions contributed to his wealth.
He owned vast estates and lived an extravagant lifestyle, which were key elements in defining his financial legacy.
In this article, Andomoney will guide you through the highlights of his financial power and how he maintained his stronghold over the North Korean economy.
Quick Facts
| FACT | DETAIL |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Yuri Irsenovich Kim |
| Popular Name | Kim Jong-il |
| Gender | Male |
| Birth Date | February 16, 1941 |
| Age | 70 years old (Died: December 17, 2011 ) |
| Parents | Kim Il-sung, Kim Jong-suk |
| Siblings | Kim Pyong Il, Kim Yong-il, Kim Kyong-hui, Kim Man-il, Kim Baek-yeon, Kim Kyong-Jin, Kim Hyun |
| Birthplace | Vyatskoye, Russia / Baekdu Mountain, Korea |
| Nationality | North Korean |
| Ethnicity | Korean |
| Education | Kim Il Sung University |
| Marital Status | Estranged from Kim Young-sook |
| Spouse | Kim Young-sook (m. 1974–2011) |
| Children | Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong-nam, Kim Yo Jong, Kim Jong Chul, Kim Sol-song, Kim Hye-kyung, Kim Jungchul |
| Dating | N/A |
| Net Worth | $4 billion at death |
| Source of Wealth | Political and military roles |
| Height | 5 ft 3 in (1.6 m) |
What is the Net Worth Of Kim Jong il in 2024?
Kim Jong il’s net worth at the time of his death in 2011 was estimated to be $4 billion. By comparison to other world leaders and high-profile figures, his fortune placed him among the wealthiest in history.
His control over North Korea’s military and key industries played a major role in accumulating this wealth. Here are some other notable figures and entities related to him:
- Kim Jong-un
- Kim Il-sung
- Workers’ Party of Korea
- National Defense Commission
- Korean People’s Army
- Ko Yong-hui
- Pyongyang properties
- Kim Jong-nam
- Kim Young-sook
- Kim Pyong-il
Interested in more about the world’s wealthiest political figures? Check out the top leaders’ financial empires here.
Kim Jong il Salary and Finance Overview
His Leadership Roles and Financial Influence
Kim Jong il’s leadership of North Korea was deeply intertwined with the nation’s wealth and assets. As the Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and Chairman of the National Defense Commission, he held control over the military, one of the largest financial sectors in North Korea.
His Songun policy placed the military first, funneling resources into defense, which in turn gave him immense power over the country’s finances.
Real Estate and Property Holdings
A significant portion of his financial influence came from his extensive property holdings. He owned between 20 and 30 homes, with many estates including private train stations, swimming pools, and lakes.
His luxurious residences, including the Pyongyang compound, reflect the lifestyle of a leader who enjoyed the finest things in life while overseeing a totalitarian regime.
Economic Strategy and Wealth Generation
Kim’s economic strategy was focused on consolidating wealth through control of national industries. His reforms in the early 2000s, including opening the Kaesong Industrial Park, were significant steps towards generating income for the state.
Although these reforms flirted with market principles, they ensured that Kim Jong il retained financial control over North Korean industries.
In addition, his Juche self-reliance ideology aimed to reduce reliance on foreign aid while maintaining strict control over resources, resulting in both economic stagnation and sporadic growth throughout his reign.
Military and Political Achievements
Beyond his economic role, his military leadership also contributed to his financial control. As head of the Workers’ Party of Korea, he influenced both domestic and foreign policies that directly impacted national finances.
His title of Supreme Leader placed him at the pinnacle of decision-making, cementing his authority over North Korea’s political and financial structures.
Publications and Ideological Influence
Kim Jong il’s 900+ published works not only spread his ideological views but also fortified his position of power, contributing to his legacy.
These writings, including his famed book On the Art of the Cinema, promoted the cultural and ideological systems that further secured his dominance over North Korea’s wealth and social structures.
Family Legacy and Wealth Continuation
The Kim family has been a dynastic power in North Korea for decades, with wealth passing down from Kim Il-sung to Kim Jong il and later to Kim Jong-un.
This generational control ensured that the Kim dynasty maintained financial power over the country, with Kim’s children continuing his financial legacy.
Luxurious Lifestyle and Extravagance
His personal tastes played a large role in his spending. He was known for indulging in luxuries such as exclusive train travel, collecting rare items, and having a passion for films, owning more than 20,000 DVDs and videos.
His lavish lifestyle was supported by the wealth and resources he controlled, further highlighting the stark contrast between his personal life and the daily lives of ordinary North Koreans.
FAQs about Kim Jong il
How did Kim Jong il rise to power?
He gained power through a combination of familial succession and high-ranking positions in the Workers’ Party of Korea and National Defense Commission.
What properties did he own?
He owned between 20 and 30 homes, including his Pyongyang compound, with private train stations and other luxury features.
What reforms did he implement?
His notable reforms included the establishment of the Kaesong Industrial Park, a rare move towards market-based activity in North Korea.
How many children did he have?
He had four children, including Kim Jong-un and Kim Jong-nam.
Did he ever marry?
Yes, he was married to Kim Young-sook, though they were estranged for many years.
What role did he play in the Workers’ Party of Korea?
He was the General Secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea.
Did he hold any important military titles?
Yes, he was Supreme Commander of the Korean People’s Army and held several other military titles.
What is his legacy in North Korean politics?
Kim’s legacy is tied to the continued leadership of the Kim family and the policies he implemented during his reign.
Conclusion
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