10 years in, Kim Jong Un steps out of his grandfather's shadow

North Korean leader's weight loss evidence of his desire for long-term rule

20211216N KJU

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un delivers remarks in Pyongyang. Kim emulated his grandfather, North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, during the early days of his tenure. © KCNA via Reuters

YOSUKE ONCHI, Nikkei staff writer

SEOUL -- As Kim Jong Un approaches 10 years since becoming North Korea's leader, he has increasingly focused on carving out a legacy independent from the father and the grandfather who were worshipped during their rule. 

2021 was a year of "victory," Kim told the Workers' Party of Korea Central Committee on Dec. 1, boasting his own accomplishments. 

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