February 16, Kim Jong Il's birthday, is the greatest auspicious holiday of the nation. The Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea announced on January 12 that February 16 shall be instituted as the Day of the Shining Star.

On this day the Korean people look back upon the great life of Kim Jong Il who wisely led the party, army and people of the DPRK, performing great feats for the country, the people, the times and history.

People around the world are also holding colorful events to commemorate the day with ardent yearning for him who made great feats for human independence.

They praise him, saying his birthday is significant not only for Korean people but other progressives of the world.

President Kim Il Sung wrote a hymn praising Kim Jong Il on February 16, Juche 81 (1992).

The Day of the Shining Star will go down forever in human history along with his august name and great feats.