Birth Date Of Kim Jong-il
Celebrated on February 16th annually in North Korea, the birthday of Kim Jong-il is a day that marks the birthday of the person who led North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011. Kim Jong-il was born on February 16, 1941, in the Soviet Union and became the second Supreme Leader of North Korea after his father, Kim Il-sung, died in 1994.
North Korea (Public holiday)This holiday is known in North Korea as the Day of the Shining Star—a name taken from the legend of his birth, when a glowing new star and double rainbow allegedly appeared when he was born. He was greeted with the title “Dear Leader” to distinguish him from his father, who was referred to as “Great Leader.”
The History of the Birthday of Kim Jong-il
While North Korean propaganda states that Kim Jong-il was born on Mount Baekdu on February 16, 1942, and that a double rainbow and a glowing star appeared when he was born, the actual roots of his birth are a lot less fantastic. He was actually born in Russia on February 16, 1941, while his father was commanding a military battalion.
On September 9, 1948, Kim Il-sung became the Premier of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea and would remain so until he died in 1994. This is when Kim Jong-il became the leader of North Korea. In 2011, he died from a variety of medical conditions, including a heart attack. This is when his son, Kim Jong-un, assumed leadership.
Observing the Birthday of Kim Jong-il in North Korea
Since this is a public holiday, schools and businesses are closed, and it’s a day off for the general population. In areas where electricity is heavily rationed, electricity is restored so that the public can watch the state propaganda on TV on this day. People can also expect to see a military parade on this day, and there are special events thrown in honor of Kim Jong-il.
North Korea (Public holiday)
