North Korea: Politics, Security, and Human Rights

The Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, or North Korea) has been an authoritarian state under the leadership of the Kim family for over 70 years. Following the death of Kim Jong Il in late 2011, his son, Kim Jong Un, assumed leadership as the marshal of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People’s Army. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea. The United States does not maintain formal diplomatic relations with the DPRK. U.S. policy towards North Korea seeks to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, with a focus on achieving the complete denuclearization of North Korea.