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 food shortages. Kim Jong-il pursued a nuclear weapons program, which led to tensions with the international community. His leadership style was characterized by strict control over the government and military, as well as a focus on maintaining power within the ruling Workers' Party of Korea.