The leadership of North Korea is characterized by a dynastic system, primarily dominated by the Kim family. Kim Il-sung, the founder, ruled from 1948 until his death in 1994, establishing a strong cult of personality. His son, Kim Jong-il, succeeded him and continued the family's authoritarian rule until his death in 2011. Currently, Kim Jong-un, the youngest son of Kim Jong-il, leads the country. He has maintained the regime's focus on military strength and nuclear development while also attempting to engage in international diplomacy. The leadership style remains centralized, with significant power concentrated in the ruling party and military.