And the recent missile tests show that even a global pandemic isn't stopping his ambitions. After firing a series of ballistic missiles in 2021, Kim Jong-un kicked off 2022 by launching one of the nation's two hypersonic missiles. (Hypersonic missiles are weapons that can travel at least five times faster than the speed of sound).

Although a South Korean official has doubted the missile is as powerful as its northern neighbour claims, it still demonstrates the country's commitment to flexing its military might. The US has responded by imposing its first sanctions on North Korea's weapon programme, as well as on a Russian firm that's believed to have supplied the necessary materials.

Now see the shocking secrets of Kim Jong-un's luxury life

Or read about the legal and illegal jobs ordinary North Koreans do to survive

What North Korea's government spends money on