Kim Il-sung was the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, commonly referred to as North Korea, from its establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994. He held the posts of Prime Minister from 1948 to 1972 and President from 1972 to his death. He was also the leader of the Workers' Party of Korea from 1949 to 1994 . He authorized the invasion of South Korea in 1950, triggering a police action by the United Nations led by the United States. A cease-fire in the Korean War was signed on 27 July 1953.