North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un has inflamed tensions on the Korean peninsula with a torrent of bellicose threats against the US and South Korea.

In power since December 2011, the 30-year-old Mr Kim is an inexperienced and untested leader. His intentions are unclear, and some analysts question whether he is speaking out to strengthen his position or at the bidding of older, more experienced figures.

Not much is certain about who holds real power inside the secretive state. But here are some of the people who North Korea watchers consider to be closely involved in running the country. For a full profile of Kim Jong-un, click here.