SOME QUICK DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KIM JONG-IL AND KIM JONG-UN:

Sarah,

North Korea is governed by a longstanding totalitarian dictatorship.  Kim Jong-il ruled North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011.  His son, Kim Jong-un has succeeded him as ruler of North Korea.  Most of the world hopes that Kim Jong-un will be more liberal than his father and lessen the degree at which North Korea represses its populace.

Here the differences so far:

-Kim Jong-il kept his women out of public view. During his reign, the first lady never made appearance.  In contrast, Kim Jong-un often appears in public with his stylish new wife.

-Kim Jong-il rarely smiled or laughed.  Kim Jong-un has been seen both laughing and smiling.

-Kim Jong-il had an intensely strong “military first” policy.  Kim Jong-un recently fired a senior general and promoted a civilian to his post.  He has also hinted that it is time to make North Korea's economy the country's main focus.

-Kim Jong-il did not publicly endorse Western culture.  Kim Jong-un was seen at a concert that displayed Mickey Mouse and the theme from Rocky.

-There is some evidence that Kim Jong-un may institute more aggressive economic reform.  In his speeches he declares he will improve the condition of his people and is negotiating with China to set up two special economic zones within North Korea.

Other than that, nothing seems to be different.  Let’s hope more substantial changes occur in the near future.