Kim Jong Un's Power Grab: Stealing His Grandfather's Political Title
North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un has been referred to as "Great President" in state media, a political title that was previously exclusive to his deceased grandfather, Kim Il Sung. The title was established in the nation's constitution, which declared Kim Il Sung the "eternal president" and abolished the office. Kim Jong Un's father, Kim Jong Il, never claimed the title out of deference to his father. The increased use of the title by Kim Jong Un shows his willingness to transgress established protocols and assert his own authority. The Kim family has fostered a secular religion around their dynasty, with state-controlled media portraying them as virtual demigods.