Kim Jong Il was the leader of North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011. He was born on February 16, 1941, and was the son of Kim Il Sung, the country's founding leader. Kim Jong Il was known for his authoritarian rule and maintained a strong cult of personality, promoting his image through propaganda. During his leadership, North Korea faced significant economic challenges and international isolation. Kim Jong Il pursued a nuclear weapons program, which led to tensions with other countries, particularly the United States and South Korea. His leadership style was characterized by strict control over the government and military.