Kim Il Sung (1912–1994)

North Korean communist politician and marshal. He became prime minister in 1948 and led North Korea in the Korean War 1950–53. He became president in 1972, retaining the presidency of the Communist Workers' party. He liked to be known as the ‘Great Leader’ and campaigned constantly for the reunification of Korea. His son Kim Jong Il, known as the ‘Dear Leader’, succeeded him.