Video: 'Korean War - PART 2, Prelude to war (1946-1947) 6.25' (Sep. 9, 1948, at 9:40)

(Thursday, September 9, 1948) — 25 days after the government of the Republic of Korea (South Korea) was inaugurated, the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea) was established today with Kim Il-sung as premier.

North Korea, like its southern counterpart, claimed to be the legitimate government of the entire peninsula and adjacent islands.

North Korea officially describes itself as a self-reliant socialist state, and formally holds elections. Various media outlets have called it Stalinist, particularly noting the elaborate cult of personality around Kim Il-sung and his family.

Video: 'The History of North Korea'