North Korea's Kim Jong-Il, Dies at 69

In Korea, he was known by a number of nicknames, they included the "Dear Leader", "our Father", "the General" and "Generalissimo".

North Korea, Kim Jong-il, died yesterday.

(SALEM) - The controversial political leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-il, died yesterday. He was the supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

In April 2009, North Korea's constitution was changed and the leader's title was implicitly deemed the "Supreme Leader".

As the commander of the 4th largest army in the world, Kim Jon-il has been nothing less than a controversial figure in his lifetime.

In Korea, he was known by a number of nicknames, they included the "Dear Leader", "our Father", "the General" and "Generalissimo".

He assumed the office he held until his death, in July 1994. However this Communist leader has been actively engaged in politics since 1948.

Prior to serving as the top member of his nation, Kim Jong-il was the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling party since 1948, Chairman of the the National Defence Commission of North Korea, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, the fourth-largest standing army in the world.

Though nothing is known for certain, reports indicate that he will be succeeded by his son, Kim Jong-un, who was promoted to a senior position in the ruling Workers' Party and is heir apparent, Wikipedia reports.

In 2010, he was ranked 31st in Forbes Magazine's List of The World's Most Powerful People.