Ask Lemmygrad

The DPRK is the Korea free from US occupation, thus its confucianism central. Much more than China or Vietnam, which both also are strongly influenced by Confucianism.

Because of this the merits of ancestors are considered inheritable by their children. If one looks at the Kim family: Kim Il Sunds father was a early proponent of korean modernization and independence from Japan. Kim Il Sung fought his entire life for korean independence against Japan first and then the USA, with great sucess and in power for a long time. Kim Yong Il lead the nation through its most difficult time since the japanese occupation and kept the US away. Kim Jong Uns tenure sees modernization and increases of quality of life last seen under Kim Il Sung, him looking like a chubbier version of his granddad also helps (when he had lost the most weight he almost looked like his grandpa).

This leads itself to political dynasties and centralization of power. The latter is counteracted by the government, the former is a unifying factor sometimes.