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Learn How to Pronounce Kim Jong-un

Quick Answer: In Korean, the name Kim Jong-un is pronounced 김정은 [kim.dzʌŋ.ɯn], and in English it is pronounced [ˌkɪm dʒɒŋˈʊn].
(Listen to the audio above for the stress and intonation)

The Expert's Take

Dr. Franz Lang
"The stress patterns in Korean names are often misunderstood. In 'Jong-un', the weight is distributed differently than in English. I find that listening to original KCTV broadcasts is the best way to grasp the true prosody of the name, which I often play for my students during our lectures."
By Dr. Franz Lang

Meaning and Context

Kim Jong-un, officially titled the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), is the third-generation hereditary ruler of the Kim dynasty, having assumed power in December 2011 after the death of his father, Kim Jong-il. His rule, centered in the capital Pyongyang, is characterized by a potent mix of totalitarian control, a pervasive personality cult, and the byungjin policy of simultaneous economic and nuclear weapons development. This focus has led to significant advancements in North Korea's ballistic missile and nuclear programs, triggering complex international diplomacy, stringent UN Security Council sanctions, and fluctuating tensions with major powers like the United States, South Korea, and China. Kim Jong-un's governance profoundly shapes North Korean politics, regional security in Northeast Asia, and global non-proliferation efforts, all while maintaining an aura of secrecy around his regime's internal workings and his personal life.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The most common Romanization from the Korean name 김정은 is "Kim Jong-un," following the widely accepted Revised Romanization of Korean system. However, alternative spellings persist from older systems or direct transliteration, such as "Kim Jong Eun" or "Kim Jŏng-ŭn" (using McCune-Reischauer). Frequent misspellings and typos include "Kim Jong Un" (without the hyphen), "Kim Jung-un," "Kim Jong Ill" (confusing with his father), and "King Jong-un." It is also common to see erroneous variations like "Kim Jon-un" or "Kim Jong-um." In formal writing, consistency is key, with "Kim Jong-un" being the standard, and note that the "u" is pronounced closer to the vowel sound in "put," not "fun."

Example Sentences

International analysts closely monitor any public appearance by Kim Jong-un for signals about North Korea's domestic priorities and foreign policy direction.

The imposition of multilateral sanctions has failed to halt the regime's pursuit of advanced intercontinental ballistic missiles under Kim Jong-un's direct supervision.

Despite the isolation, Kim Jong-un has occasionally engaged in high-profile summits, such as his meetings with former U.S.

President Donald Trump in 2018 and 2019.

Propaganda art throughout Pyongyang consistently depicts Kim Jong-un as a benevolent and wise leader guiding the nation.

The economic impact of the byungjin policy, championed by Kim Jong-un, remains a subject of intense debate among observers of the DPRK.

Sources and References

I rely on Wikipedia's IPA transcriptions and native Korean recordings on Forvo to understand the original phonetics. I also cross-reference news broadcasts from the BBC and CNN via YouGlish to see how the Supreme Leader's name is typically adapted by international English-speaking media.

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