Kim Jong-un: beyond the personality cult

The secretive North Korean leader celebrates his birthday - but even his year of birth remains a mystery

Kim Jong-un
(Image credit: KNS/AFP/Getty)

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is reportedly celebrating his birthday today, but no one is able to confirm how old the 'Great Successor' is, as much of his life remains shrouded in mystery.

Worshipped and feared in equal measure at home, criticised and ridiculed abroad – what do we know about one of the world's most secretive leaders?

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