Background information
Known as “the Sun of Korea,” Kim Il-Sung (1912-1994) was born Kim Sung-Ju in Mangyongdae village near Pyongyang to a Christian mother (Kang Ban Sok) and father (Kim Hyong Jik) who taught in a Western missionary school and was a practitioner of Koryo (traditional) medicine. To avoid the Japanese occupation, the family moved to Manchuria where Kim Sung-Ju attended school to 8th grade. He became active in vagabond anti-Japanese bands and joined the Chinese Communist Party. In 1930 his guerilla comrades (according to him) gave him the name “Il Sung,” the sun. He eventually became leader of a division in the Northeast Anti-Japanese United Army. Contrary to accepted legend, his guerrilla efforts against the Japanese were of marginal impact but Kim Il-Sung was regarded as a good organizer. Under intense Japanese pressure in China, the Korean partisans fled to the Soviet Union in 1941 where Kim Il-Sung became commander of a battalion of Korean and other partisans in the 88th Special Independent Brigade near Khabarovsk. It was here he married fellow patriot Kim Jong Suk (who was later given the title "Mother of Korea") and had a son on Feb. 16, 1941, Kim Jong-Il. After the Soviets defeated Japan in Korea in 1945 [the 88th battalion was not permitted to participate], Kim Il-Sung and other partisans were returned by ship unceremoniously to North Korea, where Kim Il-Sung set about maneuvering into power with Soviet help, and creating the legend of his victory over Japan.
Kim Jong-Il (1941-2011) was born in Khabarovsk on Feb. 16, 1941, where his father Kim Il-Sung was a captain of a battalion made up of Korean and Chinese exiles, part of the 88th Brigade of the Soviet Army. However, in the North Korean version of his birth, Kim Jong-Il was born in a secret anti-Japanese guerilla camp of the People’s Revolutionary Army on Paekdusan (Mt. Paekdu, sacred in Korean mythology) on Feb. 16, 1942, the year of his father’s 30th birthday. A double rainbow appeared that day over the mountain, according to the legend, along with other astounding meteorological and natural occurrences.
Kim Jong-Un (1983- ) is the third son of Kim Jong-Il and consort Ko Yong Hui. He attended school in Switzerland to 2000, then returned to the DPRK to study at Kim Il-Sung Military University. Accompanying his father more frequently on official duties and being given high military rank and important Party positions led to speculation that he would be his father's successor. However, this was not officially recognized until after Kim Jong-Il's death in December 2011. Kim Jong-Un is now "Supreme Leader," among other titles. His sister Kim Yo-Jong (1987?--) is second in power and influence to Kim Jong-Un in DPRK politics. She is the deputy director of the Publicity and Information Department of the Workers' Party of Korea. Recently Kim Jong-Un's young daughter Kim Ju Ae has been seen at various military events and formal functions with him, and there is some speculation (and controversy) over whether she is the "crown princess" to succeed him.
Kang Ban Sok (Kang Pan-sok, 1892-1932) was Kim Il-Sung's mother, known as "The Mother of Korea" or "Great Mother of Korea." In a photograph reproduced in many books about Kim Il-Sung, she is shown giving pistols to him, on a red cloth, for the anti-Japanese guerilla battles ("Comrade Kim Il-Sung receives weapons from his mother..") She is portrayed as a courageous anti-Japanese fighter, instilling in her sons the fervor of the battle to liberate Korea from colonial power.
Kim Jong Suk (1917-1949) was Kim Il-Sung's first wife, his compatriot in anti-Japanese guerilla activities, and mother of Kim Jong-Il. She died at 32 years old. She also is known sometimes as the Mother of Korea.
- Kim Family and government officials biographiesNorth Korea Leadership Watch has biographical information on the Kim family members, as well list of "DPRK elites" under Biographies topic. (Some officials may have been purged since 2017 by Kim Jong Un) .
- North Korea's Power Structure(Council on Foreign Relations) Genealogy chart of the Kim Family dynasty. Information about Kim Jong Un and government & economic structure
Under the Loving Care of the Fatherly Leader: North Korea and the Kim Dynasty by
"[This book] offers in-depth portraits of North Korea's two ruthless and bizarrely Orwellian leaders, Kim Il-Sung and Kim Jong-Il. . To North Koreans, the Kims are more than just leaders.... This fascinating and complete history takes full advantage of a great deal of source material that has only recently become available (some from archives in Moscow and Beijing), and brings the reader up to the tensions of the current day..."
Call Number: DS 934.6 K44 M37 2004Publication Date: 2004 (New York: Thomas Dunne Books)
Leader Symbols and Personality Cult in North Korea: the Leader State by
"The legitimacy of the North Korean state is based solely on the leaders' personal legitimacy, and is maintained by the indoctrination of people with leader symbols and the enactment of leadership cults in daily life. It can thus be dubbed a "leader state". The frequency of leader symbols and the richness and scale of leader-symbol-making in North Korea are simply unrivalled. Furthermore, the personality cults of North Korean leaders are central to people's daily activity, critically affecting their minds and emotions. Both leader symbols and cult activities are profoundly entrenched in the institutions and daily life, and if separated and cancelled, the North Korean state would be transformed. This book analyses North Korea as a "leader state", focusing on two elements, leader symbols and cult activities. It argues that these elements have been, and continue to be, the backbone of North Korea, shaping North Korean culture. To reveal the "leader state" character, the book specifically examines North Korea's leadership cults, its use of leader symbols in these cults, and the nature of the symbolism involved."
Call Number: DS 935.5 L554 2015Publication Date: 2015 (Abingdon, Oxon; New York, NY: Routledge)
Kim Il-Sung
- Kim Il-Sung Condensed Biography(from North Korea -- Korea Friendship Association web site). PDF, 337-page biography. "the Party History Institute of the Central Committee of the Workers’ Party of Korea publishes this book by supplementing the previous edition"
Kim Il Sung: Short Biography by
2-volume biography written "in Honour of the Sixtieth Birthday of the Respected and Beloved Leader Comrade KIM IL SUNG"
Call Number: DS 934 K49 K49Publication Date: 1973 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Pub. House)
Kim Il Sung: With the Century by
The 4 print volumes of this autobiography cover up to the "triumphal return" to North Korea in 1945.
Call Number: DS 934.6 K5 A3xPublication Date: 1992-1993 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Pub. House)
Kim Il-Sung, 1941-1948: The Creation of a Legend, the Building of a Regime by
How did an exiled young partisan in the anti-Japanese movement in Manchuria rise to become the leader of the newly created North Korean regime? This book examines those years and the means employed by Kim Il Sung to consolidate his rule over the country.
Call Number: DS 934.6 K5 S45x 1994Publication Date: 1994 (University Press of America)
Kim Il Sung: The North Korean Leader by
Detailed biography of Kim Il Sung, his childhood and wartime experiences in China against the Japanese, his return to Korea and gradual assumption of national leadership. "Suh's book investigates the impact of Kim Il Sung on the history and politics of North Korea and what his death will mean for the future of the country and its relations with the rest of the world."
Call Number: DS 934.6 K5 S84x 1988 (in Olin Lib.)Publication Date: 1988 (Columbia University Press)
The "Mother of Korea"
Kim Jong Suk was the wife of Kim Il Sung and mother of Kim Jong Il. She also is sometimes referred to as The Mother of Korea.
Comrade Kim Jong Suk - The Mother of Korea: Biography of Kim Jong Suk
Mother of Korea, Kang Ban SokCall Number: Pamphlet DS Korea 157 (located in Library Annex)Publication Date: 1973 (Pyongyang : Foreign Languages Pub. House)(Mother of Kim Il-Sung) Pictorial work of paintings of scenes from Kang Ban Sok's life and photos of her birthplace and other sites of importance in her life. Explanatory text (in English) accompanies paintings and photos.
Mrs. Kang Ban Sok: Mother of the Great Leader of Korea
More complete 100-page biography of Kim Il Sung's mother. Includes reminiscence about her from other people, and the music and lyrics of the song "The Mother of Korea."
Call Number: CT 1848 K16 K2 1968 (Located in Library Annex)Publication Date: 1968 (Pyongyang: Central Committee of the Korean Democratic Women's Union)
Kim Jong-Il
- The Brilliant History of Great Leadership2011 video documentary on Kim Jong-Il. Narration in English
Kim Jong-Il: The People's Leader by
Two-volume biography covering Kim Jong-Il's childhood and school days to his current (as of 1983) activities. Includes the typical stories of his compassion, intelligence and care for the people.
Call Number: DS 934.6 K44 C54Publication Date: 1983 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House)
Great Leader Kim Jong-Il by
Two-volume book concentrating primarily on the years he was Secretary of the Party Central Committee in the 1970's, with descriptions and stories about his work with his father, projects he promoted, politcal and socialist views, and interactions with variety of people.in different occupations.
Call Number: DS 934.6 K44 T13Publication Date: 1986 (Tokyo: Sorinsha)
The Ever-Shining Star of Korea by
This book in honor of Kim Jong-Il's 41st birthday is a paean to his brilliance, humility, compassion, generosity and sensitivity, all evident from a very early age as illustrated by apocryphal vignettes and anecdotes from his life. One of them is "Some Notes for the Reference of Teachers Who May Be Put in Charge of Kim Jong Il," which even describes what he likes to eat.
Call Number: DS 934.6 K44 A64x 1986Publication Date: 1986 (Pyongyang: Foreign Languages Publishing House)
Exit Emperor Kim Jong-il: Notes from His Former Mentor by
"The product of an eight-year study of individuals who observed and worked under Kim Jong-il for over thirty years, this biography provides insight into the Kim's family corruption of power. The story is told through the eyes of Hwang Jang-yop, a renowned philosopher and writer, former International Secretariat of North Korea, and mentor to Kim Jong-il. It reveals a three-dimensional portrait of Kim Jong-il rarely chronicled, from Kim's early days and rise to power to his economic crisis and his continual power struggle. As well as recording the life of Kim, Exit Emperor Kim Jong-il recounts Hwang's defection from North Korea so he could tell the world about the corrupt dictatorship and its policies that he felt were responsible for the massive famine in North Korea"
Call Number: DS 935.774 C43 2012Publication Date: 2012 (Bloomington, IN: Abbott Press)
Kim Jong-Il: North Korea's Dear Leader by
"Kim Jong-il has been the subject of intense interest and fear in recent months. He has been demonised as 'Dr Evil' for his nuclear programme which puts Korea on a collision course with the US. For this reason, the world has a stake in understanding this man and his little-known country. This account aims to tell the compelling story of Kim Jong-il and the country he leads, exploring the pressing question of how he manages to hold onto power in a country that is ravaged by famine and poverty. Unravelling the myths, mysteries, and fallacies that surround this small, desperate country, this fascinating story includes rare photos of Kim Jong-il and his brutal regime."
Call Number: DS 934.6 K55 B74x 2004 (in Olin Lib.; online also, click on title)Publication Date: 2004 (Singapore; Hoboken N.J., Wiley Publ.)
Kim Yo Jong (Sister of Kim Jong Un)
- "The Sister: North Korea's Kim Yo Hong, the Most Dangerous Woman in the World"HRNK film interview January 25, 2024 with Dr. Sung-Yoon Lee, author of The Sister: North Korea's Kim Yo Jong, the Most Dangerous Woman in the World.
- North Korea: the Rise and Rise of "First Sister" Kim Yo-jongSept. 2021 report on "The Conversation" web site by Sojin Lim, Senior Lecturer in Korean Studies, North Korean Studies MA & Asia Pacific Studies MA Courses Leader; Deputy Director of the International Institute of Korean Studies, University of Central Lancashire.
Kim Jong Un
- Biography of Kim Jong Un (North Korea Leadership Watch)"North Korea Leadership Watch" web site has a fairly detailed biography.
The Hermit King: the Dangerous Game of Kim Jong Un by
The Kim family has clung to power for three generations by silencing dissidents, ruling with an iron fist, and holding its neighbors hostage with threats of war. Under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, North Korea has come closer than ever to creating a viable nuclear arsenal, but widespread famine and growing resistance are weakening his regime's stability. Asian geopolitical expert Chung Min Lee tells the story of the rise of the Kim Dynasty and its atrocities, motivations, and diplomatic goals. Kim Jong Un is not a crazed "Rocket Man" or a bumbling despot; he has been groomed since birth to take control of his country and stay in power at all costs. Will he make good on decades of threats, liberalize North Korea and gain international legitimacy, or watch his regime crumble around him? Lee analyzes the likelihood and consequences of each of these possibilities.
Call Number: DS935.7778 .L44 2019Publication Date: 2019 (New York : All Points Books)- Kim Jong-Un's Early Life and Personality by The background and personality of Kim Jong-Un described. Although the author says information about him is limited, "he is known to possess leadership qualities and a strong desire for power."Call Number: DS 930 V28Publication Date: July 2009
North Korean House of Cards: Leadership Dynamics Under Kim Jong-Un by
Analysis of Kim Jong-Un's transition to power after Kim Jong -Il; purges, leadership dynamics; Chapters include detailed structure of government and how his regime apparatus works, with charts; structure of the Internal Security Apparatus. Appendices include biographies of the members of inner circles of government and military power examples of Kim Jong-Un's gift-giving and "beneficiary" acts; insignia of North Korean military ranks; bibliography of books and articles.
Call Number: JQ1729.5.A58 G38 2015Publication Date: 2015 (Washington, DC : Committee for Human Rights in North Korea)
The Great Successor - Kim Jong Un: A Political Cartoon by
[Graphic novel] "An epic comic of the Dark Kingdom and the passing of power to a third Kim. THE GREAT SUCCESSOR details the realities of the recent succession of Kim Jong-Un as leader of the DPRK. From propaganda engines to "trusted" news sources, many of us will never know what really goes on in the Dark Kingdom. THE GREAT SUCCESSOR provides a rare glimpse at the new face (and belly) of leadership in the North. Who is this third Kim? Where did he come from? Will he make change? Will he attack? Should we be afraid of him?
Call Number: DS 935.7782 K56 H34 2012Publication Date: 2012; Hungry Dictator Press
- The Leader Seen from his Field Guidance(Korean Friendship Assn. web site) Organized by topics such as "By Our Own Efforts and Technology," "At the Paektusan Hero Youth Power Station," "Steep Water Slide Made in Korea," and "The Supreme Commander Exists for His Soldiers," the book describes Kim Jong Un's appearances and comments at different venues around the country.