Famous People from North Korea

Human rights activist and author who defected from North Korea as a teenager and wrote the bestselling memoir "In Order to Live" about her escape and experiences.

Second Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1994 to 2011, known for his "Songun" military-first policy and for directing several films before assuming power.

North Korean defector who claimed to be the first person born in a political prison camp to escape and tell his story. His autobiography 'Escape from Camp 14' brought international attention to North Korean human rights abuses.

Third Supreme Leader of North Korea since 2011, succeeding his father Kim Jong-il and continuing the Kim family dynasty that has ruled the country since its founding.

Kim Jong-un's uncle and former regent who served as Vice Chairman of the National Defense Commission until his execution in 2013 for alleged treason.

Founding leader and first Supreme Leader of North Korea from 1948 to 1994, establishing the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the hereditary Kim dynasty.

Sister of Kim Jong-un and influential Deputy Department Director of the Workers' Party's Publicity Department, serving as a key diplomatic envoy and trusted advisor to the Supreme Leader.

Early communist leader and co-founder of North Korea who served as Deputy Premier until being executed in 1955 during political purges consolidating Kim Il-sung's power.

Long-serving diplomat who held the ceremonial position of President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly from 1998 to 2019, making him North Korea's nominal head of state.

Powerful North Korean politician who is the daughter of founder Kim Il-sung and sister of former leader Kim Jong-il. She served as deputy director of the Workers' Party Organization and Guidance Department.

Eldest son of Kim Jong-il who was assassinated in 2017 at Kuala Lumpur International Airport after falling out of favor as heir apparent to the North Korean leadership.

North Korean vice-marshal and politician (1900－1976)

North Korean politician (1910-1984)

Anti-Japanese resistance fighter who became Kim Il-sung's first wife and mother of Kim Jong-il, establishing the maternal lineage of North Korea's ruling dynasty.

Former singer who became First Lady of North Korea upon marrying Kim Jong-un, making her first public appearance alongside him in 2012.

Veteran state television anchor famous for her dramatic delivery style when announcing major government news, including the deaths of North Korean leaders and nuclear weapons tests.

Former North Korean politician who served as Workers' Party secretary for ideology before defecting to South Korea in 1997. He was the highest-ranking North Korean official ever to defect.

High-ranking party official who currently serves as Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly, making him North Korea's ceremonial head of state since 2019.

Striker who became internationally known for his passionate performances at the 2010 FIFA World Cup in South Africa, where he scored North Korea's only goal of the tournament.

North Korean diplomat and half-brother of former leader Kim Jong-il who served as ambassador to several countries. He was reportedly passed over for succession in favor of Kim Jong-un.

North Korean independence fighter and politician who served as Premier from 1976 to 1977. He was a founding member of the Workers' Party and held various high-ranking positions.

Goalkeeper who played for North Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and has been the national team's primary keeper for over a decade.

Revolutionary fighter and founding member of North Korea who served as Minister of Industry and Vice Premier. He was a close ally of Kim Il-sung during the anti-Japanese resistance.

North Korean striker who has played for various clubs in the DPR Korea League and represented the national team. He was born in 1982 and plays as a forward.

Former North Korean intelligence agent who bombed Korean Air Flight 858 in 1987, killing 115 people. She was captured, confessed, and later became a South Korean citizen.

Former dancer who became the consort of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il and mother of current leader Kim Jong-un. She died in 2004 from breast cancer.

Forward who represented North Korea at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played professionally in Russia and other international leagues.

Independence activist, journalist, and early feminist who fought against Japanese colonial rule and later became a prominent women's rights advocate in North Korea.

North Korean politician and Kim Il-sung's younger brother

Striker who played for North Korea's national team and had a professional career in Japan's J-League with multiple clubs including Omiya Ardija.

daughter of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and his wife Ri Sol-ju

Second wife of North Korean founder Kim Il-sung, serving as First Lady from 1963 until his death in 1994. She was active in women's organizations and social welfare programs.

North Korean politician who currently serves as Premier of North Korea, appointed in 2019. He previously held various positions in the Workers' Party of Korea economic departments.

North Korean midfielder who plays for Rimyongsu and the national team. He has been a regular squad member for international matches since the late 2000s.

Midfielder who captained North Korea's national football team at the 2010 FIFA World Cup and played professionally in several countries including Germany and China.

Former North Korean forward famous for scoring the winning goal against Italy in the 1966 World Cup quarter-final upset. He later became a football coach and dental technician.

North Korean midfielder who plays for Pyongyang City and the national team. He has been a regular member of North Korea's international squad since the mid-2000s.

Former North Korean midfielder who later became the national team coach, leading North Korea to the 2010 World Cup. He managed the team from 2007 to 2011.

North Korean goalkeeper who plays for April 25 and the national team. He has served as a regular keeper for North Korea in international competitions since 2010.

North Korean midfielder who plays for Pyongyang City and the national team. He has represented North Korea in multiple international tournaments and later worked as a coach.

Olympic weightlifter who won gold medals at the 2012 and 2016 Olympics in the 56kg category. He set multiple world records and is considered one of North Korea's greatest athletes.

North Korean economist and politician who served two terms as Premier of North Korea from 2003-2007 and 2013-2019. He was known for implementing market-oriented economic reforms.

North Korean politician (born 1930)

Middle son of Kim Jong-il and elder brother of Kim Jong-un, who was reportedly passed over for succession due to his low political profile and interest in music.

North Korean forward who plays for Pyongyang City and represented the national team at the 2010 World Cup. He was born in 1983 and plays as a striker.

North Korean defender who plays for April 25 and has represented the national team in multiple international competitions. He participated in the 2010 World Cup.

Technocrat who served as Premier of North Korea from 2007 to 2010, overseeing economic policy during a period of international sanctions and food shortages.

North Korean striker who plays for April 25 and the national team. He represented North Korea at the 2010 World Cup and has been a key player in domestic competitions.

Olympic judoka who won bronze medals at the 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics in the half-heavyweight division, becoming one of North Korea's most successful athletes.