Birth Date of Kim Jong Il in North Korea

Day: February 16
Year: Officially 1942 (but some sources suggest 1941)
Place: Officially Mount Paektu, North Korea (but records indicate he was likely born in the Soviet Union)

History and Traditions:

• Day of the Shining Star: Kim Jong Il's birthday is celebrated as one of the most important national holidays in North Korea, known as the "Day of the Shining Star".
• Mythologized Birth: The official North Korean narrative claims that his birth at Mount Paektu was accompanied by a double rainbow and a new star in the sky, symbolizing his divine leadership.
• Celebratory Events: The day is marked by mass dances, synchronized swimming shows, ice sculpture exhibits, and various cultural events showcasing loyalty and reverence for Kim Jong Il.
• Mansudae Art Studio Works: Artworks created at the Mansudae Art Studio often depict scenes from Kim Jong Il's life and are displayed prominently during this time.
• Visits to Monuments: Citizens may lay flowers and bow before statues of Kim Jong Il and his father, Kim Il Sung. The Kumsusan Palace of the Sun, where their bodies lie in state, is a focal point for paying respects.

What People Do on This Day:

• Public Participation: People participate in organized events such as parades, singing performances, and visits to locations significant to North Korean revolutionary history.
• Gift Distribution: On this day, the government sometimes distributes gifts or food rations to citizens as part of the celebrations.
• Reverence and Loyalty Displays: It is common for individuals to engage in acts displaying loyalty to the legacy of Kim Jong Il, often through public expressions or participation in government-sanctioned events.
• Propaganda Emphasis: State media amplifies propaganda praising Kim Jong Il's leadership qualities and contributions to North Korea's development.