Kim Il-sung biography
Profile
Born in Mangyondae, near Pyongyang, the present-day capital of North Korea, on April 15, 1912, Kim Il-sung became the leader of North Korea in 1948, in conjunction with the country's new establishment as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He headed a communist and highly militaristic administration, and North Korea saw economic growth over many years during his early rule, with progress slowing by the latter half of the 20th century. Kim remained in power for nearly 50 years, until his death on July 8, 1994. During this time, he also served as president and head of state, chairman of the Korean Workers' Party, and premier (1948-72).