Kim Il-sung

Kim Il-sung proclaimed the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea) with Soviet backing, becoming its first Premier. This established a communist state in the northern half of the Korean Peninsula, separate from the US-backed South.

Kim Il-sung ordered the North Korean invasion of South Korea, initiating the Korean War. The war resulted in millions of casualties and ended in a stalemate with the 1953 armistice, leaving Korea divided.

Kim Il-sung formally introduced Juche, a self-reliance ideology, as the guiding principle of North Korea. Juche emphasized political independence, economic self-sufficiency, and military autonomy, shaping the country's isolationist policies.

Kim Il-sung established an extensive cult of personality, portraying himself as the 'Great Leader' and founder of the Juche ideology. This included rewriting history, erecting statues, and mandating loyalty oaths, creating a totalitarian state.

Kim Il-sung died of a heart attack, and the North Korean constitution was amended to designate him 'Eternal President'. His son Kim Jong-il succeeded him, continuing the dynastic rule of the Kim family.