History of Kim Jong-suk in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 9, 2025

Kim Jong-suk (1917-1949) was a Korean anti-Japanese guerrilla, Communist activist, and the first wife of Kim Il-sung. As the mother of Kim Jong-il and grandmother of Kim Jong-un, she is a highly revered figure in North Korea, often portrayed as a revolutionary heroine. She participated in guerrilla warfare against the Japanese occupation of Korea and is credited with saving Kim Il-sung's life on multiple occasions. Her image is prominent in North Korean propaganda, solidifying her role as a symbol of revolutionary spirit and familial legacy within the ruling Kim dynasty.

Sections (1)

Full Timeline

December 1917: Kim Jong-suk's Birth

In December 1917, Kim Jong-suk was born in Hoeryong County, Kankyōhoku-dō, Empire of Japan.

February 1921: Birth of Kim Ki-song

In February 1921, Kim Jong-suk's younger brother, Kim Ki-song, was born.

1935: Joined Kim Il Sung's guerrilla force

In 1935, Kim Jong-suk joined Kim Il Sung's guerrilla force as a kitchen helper.

1936: Joined Kim Il Sung's guerrilla force

In 1936, Kim Jong-suk joined Kim Il Sung's guerrilla force as a kitchen helper.

1937: Arrested by the Japanese

In 1937, Kim Jong-suk was arrested by the Japanese during an undercover operation to secure food and supplies. After being released, she rejoined the guerrillas and contributed by cooking, sewing, and washing.

1938: Received wedding ring from Kim Il Sung

In 1938, Kim Il Sung purportedly gave Kim Jong-suk a wedding ring for her role in the anti-Japanese guerrilla movement.

February 1941: Marriage to Kim Il Sung and Birth of Kim Jong Il

In February 1941, Kim Jong-suk married Kim Il Sung in the Soviet Union and also gave birth to Kim Jong Il, who was given the Russian name Yuri Irsenovich Kim.

1942: Birth of Kim Jong Il

In 1942, Kim Jong-suk gave birth to Kim Jong Il, who was given the Russian name Yuri Irsenovich Kim.

1944: Birth of Kim Man-il

In 1944, Kim Jong-suk gave birth to Kim Man-il, who was known as Alexander or Shura in Russian.

1946: Birth of Kim Kyŏng-hŭi

In 1946, Kim Jong-suk gave birth to a daughter, Kim Kyŏng-hŭi.

September 1949: Kim Jong-suk's Death

In September 1949, Kim Jong-suk passed away due to an ectopic pregnancy. Some accounts suggest she died due to the hardships endured during her time as a guerrilla fighter.

September 22, 1949: Death of Kim Jong-suk

On September 22, 1949, Kim Jong-suk died of an ectopic pregnancy, while other sources say that she died from the hardships she had endured during the years as a guerrilla fighter.