Korean strongman Sun Il-Kim joined the Communist Party in 1927. He founded the Korean People's Revolutionary Army in 1932, which fought against the Japanese. In 1948, after Korea was divided, Kim declared the northern part to be the Republic of North Korea. In 1950, he led his country in the invasion of South Korea. The resulting war lasted three years and caused the deaths of hundred of thousands. Encouraging a Stalin-like "cult of personality," Kim held power in Korea for decades until his death in 1997. Bibliography: Schlesinger, Arthur. Kim Il-Sung : North Korean President . (World Leaders -- Past and Present). 1991. Chelsea House Pub. Suh, Dae-Sook. Kim Il Sung : The North Korean Leader . 1988. Columbia U Press.