Pyongyang, September 9 (KCNA) -- President Kim Il Sung founded the Democratic People's Republic of Korea on September 9, Juche 37 (1948).

The DPRK founding was an important event of epoch-making significance in the history of the Korean people's revolutionary struggle for independence.

After its founding, the DPRK has steadily advanced along the road of independence, guided by the great Juche idea, overcoming manifold trials.

The DPRK has developed into a powerful socialist country, independent in politics, self-supporting in the economy and self-reliant in national defense, with its people closely united on the basis of the Juche idea.

Under the popular policies of the government the people are fully enjoying an independent and creative life as masters of the state and society.

The feats performed by the President in the state building and development have become more significant in the Songun (military-first) era guided by Kim Jong Il.

He saw to it that holding Kim Il Sung in high esteem as the eternal President of the DPRK was institutionalized.

He readjusted the state political system to meet the requirements of Songun era.

Under his Songun-based leadership, the DPRK has developed into a political, ideological and military power enjoying the dignity and rights of an independent country and doing everything as it intends, preserving the Juche character and national identity.