Kim Jong-il's Birthday, also known as the Day of Shining Star, is observed in North Korea every February 16. This public holiday commemorates the birthday of Kim Jong-il, the late Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, who was born on February 16, 1941 (according to Soviet records) or 1942 (according to the official biography). The holiday has its roots in the early 1970s when Kim Jong-il was identified as the heir apparent to his father, Kim Il-sung, the first leader of North Korea. Following his death in 2011, Kim Jong-il's birthday continues to be celebrated as a national holiday, reflecting the enduring personality cult surrounding him. In addition to the Day of Shining Star, another public holiday dedicated to Kim Jong-il, known as Generalissimo Day, is celebrated on February 14.