Kim Jong-un, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Pyongyang
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North Korean supreme leader among finalists for TIME’s 2026 Person of the Year?
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According to a top source, the North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the political figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 16/05/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Kim for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 43-year-old political figure, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Kim so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the political figure have already been named ‘Korean Of The Year’ by some major Korean newspapers and even ‘Pyongyang Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Pyongyang (Kim Jong-un's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the political figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“#KimPOY. Logical choice though I wouldn't have made the same one.”
— @TomMiller, 15 May 2026
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJong-un”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 15 May 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Kim Jong-un?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 15 May 2026

Could 2026 officially be the Year of Kim Jong-un?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?

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