Kim Il-sung
Pronunciation: /ˌkɪm ɪlˈsʊŋ/
Definition of Kim Il-sung
- (1912–94), Korean communist statesman, first Premier of North Korea 1948–72 and President 1972–94; born Kim Song-ju. He precipitated the Korean War (1950-3), and remained committed to the reunification of the country. He maintained a one-party state and created a personality cult around himself and his family; on his death he was quickly replaced in power by his son Kim Jong-il (1942–2011).