Kim Il-sung



Kim Il-sung (15 April 1912 – 8 July 1994) was the leader of North Korea in varying forms from 1948 until his death in 1994, holding the title of Premier from 1948 to 1972, and President from 1972 until 1994. He is the father of Kim Jong-il and grandfather of Kim Jong-un, the current Supreme Leader of North Korea.

A highly polarizing political figure, North Korea was widely characterized as a totalitarian state during Kim Il-sung's rule, with widespread human rights abuses, including mass executions and prison camps. Despite this, he was (and still is to a certain extent) widely beloved and respected in North Korea. He was declared "Eternal President of the Republic" one year after his death and his birthday is a national holiday in North Korea, called the "Day of the Sun."