FACTBOX-The amazing Kim Jong-il of North Korea

(Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong-il turned 65 on Friday. The following are reports from official North Korean sources about some of Kim's acclaimed abilities and attributes:

THE WEATHER

For previous birthdays, North Korean official media have reported on the "Wonders of the February holiday" that included sunrises so brilliant, frost exploded with the sound of firecrackers, rainbows appeared and frozen lakes thawed with such a noise that it caused mountains to shake.

RECENT HITS

Kim is blessed with a photographic memory. He impressed one funeral gathering by walking among hundreds of tombstones and recounting the achievements, characteristics, tastes and bereaved family members of the dead he passed.

Kim's relentless push to advance the communist movement in the state has turned him into something of an insomniac. Kim was quoted as saying he has never had a night of comfortable sleep because of the days and months he spends giving field guidance to factory workers, farmers and troops.

He does manage to take short naps in the car.

THE START

Although South Korean and foreign analysts say Kim was born in the Soviet Union, official media say he was born at a secret revolutionary camp on Mount Paektu, a northern mountain on the Korean peninsula that many Koreans consider sacred.

A double rainbow appeared over the mountain when he was born.

ACCOMPLISHED YOUNG MAN

According to his official biography, Kim helped develop North Korea's TV broadcasting industry.

He wrote a thesis on Korean history. He penned operas and plays -- all before turning 23.

THE ARTIST

Kim was responsible for placing museums in all corners of the country. He developed an actors' studio. In 1967, he brought the feature film "Five Guerrilla Brothers" to the screen. That movie was followed by "The Sea of Blood" and other movies, including several award-winning films.

THE ENGINEER