Kim Jong II

North Korea has been a communist dictatorship since shortly after the end of World War II.

Ruled by the iron hand of Kim Il Sung, the nation struggled economically compared to South Korea, which engineered an economic miracle.

Kim died in 1994, turning over the government to his son, Kim Jong Il.

A pampered youth, Kim Jong Il gradually took over a variety of powerful positions in his father's government.

After he became the dictator, the country suffered a series of economic disasters that brought death to thousands of people.

Meanwhile, Kim Jong Il became widely known for turning North Korea into a nuclear power.

During the early 21st century, President George W. Bush labeled North Korea part of the Axis of Evil. But some experts on North Korea believe that Kim is simply using the nuclear card to gain worldwide respect and economic aid from the United States.

Nevertheless, Kim Jong Il remains a highly controversial leader.