Profile
Kim Il-sung: The Founder of North Korea
First leader of North Korea, born near Pyongyang on 15 April 1912
Kim Il-sung was born on 15 April 1912 near Pyongyang. His family moved to Manchuria, where he joined anti-Japanese guerrilla groups in the 1930s.
After 1945 he became leader of the Soviet-backed north, and in 1948 the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was declared. His invasion of the south in 1950 began the Korean War, which ended in an armistice in 1953.
He ruled until his death in 1994, building a cult of personality. He was named Eternal President, and his birthday is a major national holiday in North Korea.
Career highlights
- 1912Born near Pyongyang
- 1930sGuerrilla leader: against Japanese rule in Manchuria
- 1945Returns to Korea: with Soviet support
- 1948Founds North Korea
- 1950Korean War: begins with his invasion of the south
- 1953Armistice: ends the fighting
- 1972Becomes president
- 1994Dies in Pyongyang
- 1998Eternal President: title granted after death
Did you know?His birthday, 15 April, is celebrated in North Korea as the 'Day of the Sun'.
