
Kim Jong Un remains Supreme Leader of North Korea because of the nation's authoritarian political system, which grants him absolute authority over the Workers' Party and military, and the absence of any credible internal or external challenge to his rule.
His leadership is bolstered by a pervasive state security apparatus and a strong cult of personality.
Kim Jong Un maintains a firm grip on North Korea's internal affairs, a factor highlighted by 81 tracked signals related to North Korea. He exercises total command over all state institutions, effectively eliminating any potential challengers to his power. This centralized control ensures his continued leadership.
His leadership is also strengthened by his focus on national defense and nuclear deterrence. The IAEA exposed a secret new Kim Jong Un uranium plant built to boost warheads, clearly demonstrating his commitment to expanding the nuclear arsenal. This policy reinforces his image as a protector of the state, securing his rule against external threats.