Dictatorship is going on in North Korea ever since it was formed. The current ruler Kim Jong Un is the third generation ruler of his Kim family and February 16 is the birthday of his father Kim Jong Il. Il himself was also a dictator and it cannot happen that there are no tales of dictators’ whims and other kinds of infamy. Where people do not even know the date of birth of the current regime, Kin Jong Un, nor is his birthday celebrated, on the contrary, his father Kim Jong Il is celebrated like a festival in North Korea.

like a national festival
Kim Jong Il’s birthday was celebrated even while he was alive, but after his death, this day is celebrated as the country’s Day of the Rising Star as a national festival. While his grandfather Kim Il Sung is known as the Great Leader, Kim Jong Il is known as the Dear Leader.

where was born
There is no consensus on where and when Kim Jong Il was born, but according to popular belief, he was born on 16 February 1942 in Siberia, Russia when his father Kim Il Sung had gone there for guerrilla activities in the Soviet Union. Officially, the birthplace of Mutibak Kim Jong Il of North Korea is Mount Paektu in Korea.

childhood interest in politics
According to the official biography of Kim Jong Il, his early education took place in Pyongyang, while many people believe that he was sent to China for safety during the Korean War, where he studied. Il was interested in politics since his school days and used to actively participate in the school’s political activities.

Despite being a favorite of father Kim Il Sung, Kim Jong Il gradually took over the reins of the country. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

responsibilities at a young age
Kim Jong Il took English education in Malta and officially joined the Workers’ Party of Korea at a young age. At the age of 26, his father started giving him official responsibilities and soon there were indications that it was clear that Kim Jong Il would be the successor of Kim Il Sung.

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gradually increased dominance
Gradually, he also reached the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea, after which Il’s powers increased. In the 1970s, it was officially decided in the family as well as in the WPK that Kim Jong Il would be the successor to Kim Il Sung. From the early 1980s, not only did Il get official positions in the party, but the government also started building his image. With increasing interference in the government, when Kim Il Sung died in 1994, the coronation of Kim Jong Il remained a mere formality.

In North Korea, Kim Jong Il is considered a dear leader and his father father Kim Il Sung is considered a great leader. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

military priority
During his reign, Kim Jong Il never worked on public welfare programs but only engaged in strengthening the country’s army. He used to travel to Europe by train and was very fond of James Bond films. Like his father, he avoided air travel and always ate North Korean food. He was not considered successful on economic fronts. Nevertheless, he was also called a skilled diplomat.

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Even today, February 16 is a two-day national holiday in North Korea. On this day there is an atmosphere of celebration in the whole country. There are many events in the capital Pyongyang such as concerts, military demonstrations, fireworks, gymnastics, and dancing parties; the government provides people with more food than usual on this day.

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Tags: North Korea, research, world