Kim Il-sung was a pivotal figure in North Korean politics, serving as the country's founder and leader from its inception in 1948 until his passing in 1994. During his tenure, he held the esteemed positions of Premier from 1948 to 1972 and President from 1972 to 1994. Additionally, he assumed the leadership role of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) from 1949 to 1994, initially serving as Chairman from 1949 to 1966 and later as General Secretary from 1966 onwards.
Kim Il-sung's ascent to power followed the conclusion of Japanese rule in 1945, and he subsequently authorized the invasion of South Korea in 1950, prompting a United Nations-led intervention in defense of South Korea, spearheaded by the United States. The military stalemate in the Korean War was eventually brought to an end with the signing of a ceasefire on July 27, 1953.
Throughout his remarkable 45-plus-year tenure, Kim Il-sung earned the distinction of being the third longest-serving non-royal head of state/government in the 20th century.
