Kim II-sung’s Birthday, also known as the Day of the Sun, is observed in North Korea every April 15. This holiday commemorates Kim II-sung, who was the leader of North Korea from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994. Born on April 15, 1912, in Mangyungbong, Kim II-sung's rise to power began when he was appointed chairman of the North Korean branch of the Korean Communist Party by the Soviets in 1945. He served as Prime Minister from 1948 to 1972 and then as President until 1994. The Day of the Sun is widely celebrated across the country, with the largest military parade taking place in Pyongyang, the capital of North Korea.