Kim Jong Il was the leader of North Korea from 1994 until his death in 2011. He came to power after the death of his father, Kim Il Sung, who was the founder of North Korea. Kim Jong Il's era was marked by a continuation of the country's strict authoritarian regime, as well as a focus on military development and nuclear weapons. His leadership style was characterized by a personality cult, with a heavy emphasis on propaganda and control over the media. During Kim Jong Il's rule, North Korea faced severe economic challenges, exacerbated by natural disasters and poor agricultural practices. The situation led to widespread famine in the 1990s, which resulted in the deaths of millions. Despite this, Kim maintained a strong grip on power and prioritized military spending over economic development, which further isolated the country from the international community. Kim Jong Il's foreign policy focused on appearing strong against perceived threats, particularly from the United States and South Korea. His government engaged in negotiations regarding nuclear disarmament, but these efforts often resulted in stalled talks and increased tensions. After his death, Kim Jong Il was succeeded by his son, Kim Jong Un, who has continued many of the policies established during his father's rule. Kim Jong Il was born on February 16, 1941, and became the leader of North Korea in 1994. Known for his authoritarian style, he cultivated a strong personality cult around himself. His policies significantly shaped North Korea’s direction, especially in military development.