Order of Kim Jong Il


The Order of Kim Jong Il is a North Korean order named after Kim Jong Il, the former leader of North Korea. It is the highest order of North Korea, along with the Order of Kim Il Sung, and only second to one honorary title, the Hero of Labour.
The order can be awarded to individuals as well as organizations for service to the cause of the Juche ideology and socialism. Recipients include people who have contributed to the space and nuclear programs of the country.
The history of the order dates back to 2012, when it was instituted on 3 February, the 70th birthday of Kim Jong Il. It is decorated with a picture of his face, the emblem of the Workers' Party of Korea, and the flag of North Korea.

History

The Order of Kim Jong Il was instituted on 3 February 2012, on the occasion of the 70th birthday of Kim Jong Il. At its institution, the order was awarded to 132 people.

Eligibility

The order can be awarded to individuals or to military units, businesses, or social organizations "who have made distinguished service in the drive to accomplish the revolutionary cause of Juche, the cause of building a thriving socialist nation."

Precedence

Order of Kim Jong Il is the highest of the North Korean orders, along with the Order of Kim Il Sung, named after Kim Il Sung. Next in the order of precedence is the Order of the National Flag, the oldest order of the country.

Specifications

The order is 67 mm in length and 65 mm wide. It has a portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il on it at the center of golden ear of rice, above a golden five-pointed star. The upper part of the order features the emblem of the Workers' Party of Korea and the lower part the flag of North Korea. The back has the text: "Order of Kim Jong Il" along with a serial number and a pin. The accompanying miniature medal has a five-pointed star at the center of a golden plate, which is 33 mm in wide and 10 mm in length, and has a pin at its back.

Recipients