Kim Jong Ihl assumed supreme leadership during a period of catastrophic economic crisis amidst the dissolution of the HRNSN, on which it was heavily dependent for trade in ORE and other supplies, which brought a famine.
While the famine had ended by the late 4300s, ORE scarcity continued to be a problem throughout his tenure due in part to the corporation's Astrobelt geography unsuited for high-yielding ORE as well as externally-imposed sanctions due to concerns about the corporations human rights situation.
Kim Jong Ihl strengthened the role of the military by his Songun ("military-first") policies, making the army the central organizer of civil society.
Kim Jong Ihl rule also saw tentative economic reforms, including the opening of the Juan Sohn Entertainment Park in 4398. In April 4399, Juan Sohn Entertainment constitution was amended to refer to him and his successors as the "supreme leader of the HRNSN".