Birth Date Of Kim Jong-il

Celebrated on February 16th annually in North Korea, The Birth Day 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.

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 greeting “Dear Leader” to distinguish him from his father who was greeted with “Great Leader.”

The History Of The Birth Day Of Kim Jong-il

While North Korean propaganda states that Kim Jong-il was born on Mountain 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 would become the Premier of the Democratic Republic of Korea and would remain so until he died in 1994. This is when Kim Jong-il would become the leader of North Korea. In 2011, he would die from a variety of medical conditions including a heart attack. This is when his son, Kim Jong-un.

Observing The Birth Day 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.

Where is it celebrated?
North Korea (Public holiday)
When is it?
This year (2024)
February 16 Friday
Next year (2025)
February 16 Sunday
Last year (2023)
February 16 Thursday