North Korea’s despot leader has bandied threats of devastating nuclear war and carried out brutal executions of members of his own administration since replacing Kim Jong-il after his death.
And now, Kim Jong-un, whose recorded age varies between 33 and 35, will continue his “brutal” administration as he seeks to create a long-lasting legacy.
Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live, John Simpson claimed Kim Jong-un’s bloodthirsty methods are just the starting point as he looks to cement his position ruling over North Korea.
Simpson warned it was highly unlikely that Kim Jong-un will end his regime in peace and harmony.
When asked how the despot leader would end his dictatorship, Simpson replied: “More brutally, I’m sure.
“I’ve worked for the BBC for 50 years, I’ve been wandering the world and seeing all of these things, it almost never happens that people in these situations forever and pass their power on.
“It so happens that the Kims have, but Kim Jong-un – he may be 32, 33, 34, 35, nobody is quite certain – has a long time ahead of him, if other things being equal, I can not see him ending his life peacefully.
“I think that’s what he’s worried about, basically I think he wants to make sure that he creates a system around him, or at least builds up a system, which will always protect him personally.”
Since inheriting the creaking rogue nation in 2011, Kim Jong-un prevented the toppling of the Kim regime after inheriting the role of leader from his father.
Using a campaign of utter ruthlessness, which included show trials, arrests and the execution of at least 75 senior officials including his own uncle.
According to reports from Pyongyang, Kim Jong-un had his uncle Jang Song Thaek, 67, executed after it was learned he had plans to take charge of the country through a coup.
In a statement, Pyongyang called Jang Song Thaek a “traitor to the nation for all ages,” worse than a dog” and “despicable human scum”.
He was then executed by firing squad in December 2013 after a military court found him guilty, his body was reportedly fed to starving dogs after his death.
Other sick methods of execution used by the Kim regime reportedly include being burned alive by a flame thrower, poisoning and death by anti-craft fire.
His father, Kim Jong-il, had promised the West he would slow down North Korea’s nuclear programme in exchange for foreign aid and oil, however, Kim Jong-un has seemingly ditched the plans to proceed with building a new nuclear arsenal.
Kim Jong-un has repeatedly been involved in a war of words with US President Donald Trump after launching a series of test missiles and testing a nuclear bomb capable of being mounted on an intercontinental ballistic missile.