The Death of Kim Jong-il

December 17th brought an end to an era of oppression and seclusion from the outside world for the people of North Korea. "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il died at age 69 after a harsh 17 year rule that began in 1994, taking power after the death of his father, Kim Il-sung.

His father, who was an officer in the Red Army, gained power in 1948 as Prime Minister of the People's Republic of Korea until 1972, then held the position of President from 1972 until his death in '94.

Kim Jong-il was born in either 1941 or 1942 (details of his origins are unclear) near the Soviet city of Khabarosk. However, the censorship has North Koreans living in ignorance; most don't know the truth behind his birth. They were told, and many do believe, that Kim Jong-il was born in a cabin atop Mount Paektu, the highest peak on the Korean peninsula. As a part of his long running propaganda campaign, the North Koreans are told that as he was born, rainbows appeared in the heavens. His propaganda machine seems to have worked, for the "Dear Leader" was mourned across North Korea despite the isolation that he had forced upon his people.  

Kim Jong-un, "Dear Leader's" son, has taken power of the nation. His eldest half-brother, Kim Jong-nam, was expected to succeed. However, after attempting to enter Japan using a fake passport in 2001 (to visit Tokyo Disneyland), he fell out of favor. 

Are brighter days on horizon for the people of North Korea?