Kim Tu-bong facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Kim Tu-bong
Kim Tu-bong in 1955
Chairman of the Workers' Party of North Korea
In office 28 August 1946 – 30 June 1949
Preceded by	Position created
Succeeded by	Kim Il-sung
Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly
In office 17 December 1945 – 20 September 1957
Preceded by	Position created
Succeeded by	Choe Yong-gon
Personal details
Born	(1889-02-16)16 February 1889 near Pusan, Gyeongsang Province, Joseon Dynasty (Today Busan, South Korea)
Died	between March 1958 and 1960 (aged 69–71) Democratic People's Republic of Korea
Nationality	North Korean
Political party	Workers' Party of Korea (1949–1958)
Other political affiliations	Workers' Party of North Korea (1946–1949)
Military service
Allegiance	North Korea
Branch/service	Korean People's Army

Kim Tu-bong (born February 16, 1889 – died sometime after March 1958) was an important figure in early North Korean history. He was the first leader, or Chairman, of the Workers' Party of North Korea from 1946 to 1949. He was also known as a linguist (someone who studies language), a scholar, and a politician.

Kim Tu-bong and other Korean leaders created a temporary government outside of Korea, in China. Because of his communist beliefs, he played a big part in the first North Korean communist government.

He and others who had been living in China formed the New People's Party when they came back to Korea. This party later joined with the Workers' Party of North Korea (WPNK) in 1946. After this, Kim Tu-bong became the WPNK Chairman.

He was also the first head of state for North Korea from 1948 to 1957. This role was called the Chairman of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly. In South Korea, he is best remembered for his work in developing the Korean language field. Much of his political and language work happened while he lived in China. He was later removed from power by Kim Il-sung in 1957.

Early Life and Education

Kim Tu-bong was born in South Korea's South Gyeongsang Province, near the city of Pusan. He was taught at home during the time when Korea was under imperial rule.

When he was 20 years old, in 1908, he moved to Seoul. There, he attended Geho School and Baechae School. He also graduated from Bogo High School in the same year. While in Seoul, he joined the Korea Youth organization in 1913. The next year, he left Baechae School.

After graduating from Bosungkobo (Bosung College) in 1908, Kim Tu-bong worked closely with a language professor. He also worked as a teacher. In 1916, he spent most of his time working on MalMooe, which was the first Korean dictionary.

Later Life and Political Role

After the March 1st Movement (a large protest on March 1, 1919), Kim Tu-bong went to China. He helped set up a temporary government in Shanghai. During this time, he learned about Communism for the first time. He supported it in 1920, after first supporting the Democratic Party.

In 1924, he was put in charge of children's education. He served as president and taught both Korean language and Korean history.

When the Japanese army invaded China, Kim Tu-bong and other members of the Korean government in Shanghai moved to Yan'an. In Yan'an, Kim became the head of the independence club. He became very important in bringing together different ideas from both communist and democratic groups.

After World War II ended and Japan surrendered in August 1945, Kim Tu-bong and others returned to Korea. Korea was then divided. Like many other people with communist ideas, Kim Tu-bong and other communist leaders settled in what is now North Korea. This area was under Soviet control.

In February 1946, Kim Tu-bong became the chairman of the New People's Party. Later that year, in August, this party joined with the Workers' Party. He became the chairman of the Workers' Party in 1948. However, from the beginning, the real power was held by Premier Kim Il-sung. Kim Tu-bong also designed the new flag that North Korea still uses today.

Disappearance

After the Korean War, Kim Tu-bong's role in the government became less important. Many historians believe he became a threat to Kim Il-sung's rule. He was removed from power in March 1958. He was accused of being involved in the 1956 August Faction Incident.

Like many other political opponents of Kim Il-sung, Kim Tu-bong disappeared. There are no clear records of what happened to him. It is thought that he was either executed or died sometime in the 1960s while living in internal exile (meaning he was forced to live away from his home, but still within the country).

See also

In Spanish: Kim Tu-bong para niños