In the early 1980s, Kim had become the heir apparent for the leadership of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and assumed important posts in the party and army organs.
Ngama-1980 okuqala, uKim wayesekhulile waba yindlalifa ebonakalayo ebuholini baseNyakatho Korea futhi wathatha izikhundla ezibalulekile ezinhlakeni zeqembu nezempi.