Order of Kim Jong Il

Order of Kim Jong Il. It is one of the highest state decorations of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, established in the year following the death of the country's second supreme leader. The order is bestowed upon individuals, military units, factories, and organizations for outstanding contributions to the nation and the Juche revolutionary cause. It occupies a preeminent place in the North Korean awards system, second only to the Order of Kim Il Sung.

History and establishment

The order was formally instituted by a decree of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on February 3, 2012, shortly after the death of Kim Jong Il in December 2011. Its creation was part of a broader process of consolidating the legacy of the late leader within the state's ideological and symbolic framework. The establishment coincided with the elevation of Kim Jong Un to the position of Supreme Leader and the propagation of the Songun policy. The first awards were presented in a grand ceremony on the occasion of Kim Jong Il's birth anniversary, the Day of the Shining Star, in February 2012, linking the decoration permanently to his commemorative calendar.

Design and symbolism

The badge of the order is a large, five-pointed gold star, featuring a central portrait of Kim Jong Il crafted in platinum. The portrait is encircled by a band of red enamel, symbolizing revolutionary fervor, and is framed by rays of light emanating from behind the likeness. Between the points of the star are sets of three smaller gold rays. The design heavily emphasizes the eternal presence and guiding light of the deceased leader, a common theme in North Korean propaganda art. The ribbon, worn on a sash or as a chest ribbon, is predominantly red with yellow stripes along the edges, mirroring the national colors and the flag of the Workers' Party of Korea.

Eligibility and recipients

Eligibility for the award is broad, encompassing both domestic and foreign individuals and collectives deemed to have rendered exceptional service to North Korea. Notable early recipients included high-ranking officials like Kim Yong-nam, then President of the Presidium, and Vice Marshal Ri Yong-ho. Military units such as the Korean People's Army Unit 963 and institutions like the Mansudae Art Studio have also been honored. The award has been conferred upon foreign nationals, including the Russian politician Konstantin Pulikovsky and the family of the late Reverend Moon Sun-myung of the Unification Church. It is often awarded posthumously, as was the case for Jo Myong-rok, a former Vice Marshal of the Korean People's Army.

Significance and status

Within the strict hierarchy of North Korean honors, the order holds the second-highest precedence, immediately below the Order of Kim Il Sung. Its bestowal is a profound political statement, indicating the recipient's utmost loyalty and contribution to the regime and its ideological continuity. Possession of the order grants the recipient significant social prestige, potential material benefits, and enhanced status within the North Korean elite. The award is a key instrument in the personality cult surrounding the Kim dynasty, serving to eternally venerate Kim Jong Il and reinforce the legitimacy of the ruling Kim family.

Award ceremonies and protocol

Presentation ceremonies are major state events, typically held on nationally significant dates such as the Day of the Shining Star or the anniversary of the Foundation of the Korean People's Army. The award is presented by the State Affairs Commission, often with the personal involvement of Kim Jong Un or other top leadership figures. The protocol is highly formalized, involving the reading of the decree, the pinning of the sash and badge, and a ceremonial salute. Recipients are expected to express profound gratitude and renewed pledges of loyalty to the Party Central Committee and the Supreme Leader during their acceptance speeches.