Kim Jong-il; also written as Kim Jong Il; born 16 February 1941 (Soviet records) or 16 February 1942 (North Korean records); is the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (North Korea). He is the Chairman of the National Defense Commission; General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea; the ruling party since 1948; and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army; the fourth largest standing army in the world.

In April 2009; North Korea's constitution was amended and now implicitly refers to him as the 'Supreme Leader'. He is also referred to as the 'Dear Leader; "our Father". His son Kim Jong-un was promoted to a senior position in the ruling Worker's Party and is heir apparent.