Kim Il-sung

Date of Birth: April 15, 1912

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 8, 1994

Biography

Kim Il-sung, born Kim Song-ju, was the founding leader of North Korea, officially known as the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK). He was born on April 15, 1912, in Mangyongdae, near Pyongyang, which was then part of the Japanese-controlled Korean Peninsula. Kim Il-sung became actively involved in communist and anti-Japanese movements in his youth, joining the Korean resistance against Japanese occupation. After World War II, with the division of Korea into Soviet and American zones of influence, Kim Il-sung emerged as a prominent figure in the Soviet-occupied North. In 1948, he became the first Premier of the DPRK. He played a crucial role in the Korean War (1950-1953), leading North Korean forces against South Korea and its UN allies, primarily the United States. Kim Il-sung’s rule was characterized by the establishment of a highly centralized, authoritarian regime based on the Juche ideology, which emphasizes self-reliance and independence. His policies led to significant industrial and agricultural development but also severe human rights abuses and isolation from much of the international community. He held power until his death in 1994, overseeing the transition of leadership to his son, Kim Jong-il, thus establishing the Kim dynasty that continues to rule North Korea.

5 Interesting Facts about Kim Il-sung

1. Kim Il-sung’s birth name was Kim Song-ju, but he adopted the name Kim Il-sung, which means “become the sun,” during his time as a guerrilla fighter.

2. He developed the Juche ideology, a guiding principle of North Korean policy that promotes self-reliance and independence from foreign influence.

3. Kim Il-sung established one of the world’s most enduring dynastic regimes, with his son Kim Jong-il and grandson Kim Jong-un succeeding him.

4. Despite his anti-Japanese stance, Kim Il-sung received military training in the Soviet Union during World War II.

5. In 1992, he was named Eternal President of the Republic, meaning he remains the country’s official head of state even after his death.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Kim Il-sung

1. “The oppressed peoples can liberate themselves only through struggle. This is a simple and clear truth confirmed by history.”

2. “Man is the master of everything and decides everything.”

3. “The revolution is carried out by means of one’s own strength, not by borrowing the strength of others.”

4. “Our Party’s consistent policy is to conduct all activities independently, and make the creative efforts of our people the primary factor in the revolution and construction.”

5. “The People’s Army should become the armed vanguard of the working class, sharing the same ideas, will, and fate with the working class.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

While specific figures are difficult to ascertain due to the secretive nature of North Korea, estimates have suggested that at the height of his power, Kim Il-sung’s personal wealth and control over state assets could be valued in the billions of dollars.

Children

Kim Il-sung had three children with his first wife, Kim Jong-suk: 1. Kim Jong-il (1941-2011) – Succeeded him as the leader of North Korea. 2. Kim Kyong-hui (b. 1946) – Held various high-ranking positions in the North Korean government. 3. Kim Pyong-il (b. 1954) – Served as a diplomat in various European countries.