Kim Jong Il

Kim Jong-il (1941-2011) was the second Supreme Leader of North Korea, succeeding his father Kim Il-Sung upon his death in 1994.

Much is unknown about Jong-Il’s early life. His birthplace is debated, often between Khabarovsk Krai, Russia or a secret military camp in then-Japanese-occupied Korea. According to Jong-Il’s official biography, he received his education in Pyongyang, but foreign scholars believe he studied in China to avoid the dangers of the Korean War. Throughout his education, Jong-Ill was involved in politics, taking part in Marxist study groups.

Though Jong-Il only officially rose to power in 1994, he was appointed as Il-sung’s successor as early as 1974. By 1980, he was considered the second most powerful figure in North Korea, only second to his father. At this time, he assumed the title “Dear Leader.” Upon his father’s death in 1994, Jong-Il assumed the role of Supreme Leader of North Korea. Though Jong-Il was officially part of a triumvirate (group of three men holding power), in practice he held absolute power.

As Supreme Leader of North Korea, Jong-Il was the subject of an elaborate cult of personality. Massive nation-wide celebrations were held for his 50th and 60th birthdays, and the song “No Motherland Without You” was specially created for him in 1992.

Jong-Il was also known for being a cunning, manipulative diplomat. In 1998, he implemented the Sunshine Policy, protecting North Korea from any attempts of absorption by the South while also strengthening North Korea’s economy. The policy eventually resulted in the construction of the Kaesong Industrial Park, which provided North Korea access to foreign currency.

Jong-Il failed to find the same success in his domestic economic policies. The North Korean economy saw a general downward trend while Jong-il was in power. Severe floods in the 1990s caused widespread famine, further devastating the economy. In 2009, Jong-Il intentionally devalued the Won, resulting in economic chaos.

As a ruler, Jong-il was viewed as a repressive dictator. It is widely believed that North Korean citizens only adhered to Jong-Il’s cult of personality out of fear of punishment, as opposed to genuine respect. Jong-Il’s government has been accused of numerous crimes against humanity: causing and prolonging the 1990s’ famines; depriving citizens of freedom of press, religion, political opposition, and equal education; and, reported in 2004, having up to 200,000 political prisoners.

Kim Jong-Il’s health began declining around 2008. Various sources claimed that Jong-Il was suffering a myriad of health issues, such as diabetes and stroke. Presumably due to these health issues, Jong-Il was absent from numerous occasions, including the Olympic torch relay in Pyongyang.

Jong-il’s death is surrounded by mystery. It was reported in 2011, by North Korean media, that Jong-il had died of a heart attack, and in 2012, by South Korean media, that he had died in a “fit of rage.” His funeral took place in Pyongyang on December 28, 2011. He was posthumously given the Dae Wonsu title, the nation’s highest military honor.

Ethan Z