Birth Date Of Kim Il Sung
The Birth Date of Kim Il Sung is a celebration of the birthday of Kim Il Sung—North Korea’s “Eternal Leader.” Kim Il Sung was born on the 15th of April, and his birthday is not only an auspicious occasion but is also a public holiday in the country. This means that government offices, banks, schools, and all businesses are closed for the day.
North Korea (Public holiday)This day is celebrated by people visiting one of the many Kim Il Sung statues located across North Korea or by visiting his mausoleum. It’s also observed with folk dances, fireworks, sports competitions, and parades.
The History of the Birth Date of Kim Il Sung
Kim Il Sung was originally born Kim Song-Ju, and he was born on April 15, 1912, in Man’gyŏndae, Korea. His parents had fled to Manchuria during his childhood to escape Japanese rule over Korea. While attending an elementary school in Manchuria, he joined a communist youth organization.
In 1929, he was arrested for his activities with the group but was released in 1930. Afterward, he joined the Korean guerrilla resistance to fight against Japanese occupation and took the name Kim Il Sung—after an earlier Korean guerrilla fighter who also fought against the Japanese.
Kim was noticed by Soviet military authorities and was sent to the Soviet Union for political and military training. There, he joined the local communist party. After fighting in WWII as a major in the Soviet Army, he returned to North Korea after the war and established a provisional government under the guidance of the Soviets. In 1948, he became the first premier of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, and the following year became the chairman of the Korean Workers’ Party.
In 1950, Kim launched an invasion of South Korea, which marked the beginning of the Korean War. His attack was repelled by UN and U.S. forces, and a stalemate was the result of the war in 1953. After serving as Prime Minister of North Korea from 1948 to 1972, and President from 1972 to 1994, Kim died on July 8, 1994, at the age of 82.
Observing the Birth Date of Kim Il Sung
All around North Korea, people visit the mausoleum of Kim Il Sung or one of the many statues of him around the country. There are also parades, festivals, folk dancing, and fireworks to celebrate this holiday.
North Korea (Public holiday)
