Kim Jong Il death: World watches as North Korea prepares for transition

Published on Tuesday 20 December 2011 17:11

North Korea has urged its 24 million people to rally behind heir-apparent Kim Jong Un as the nation mourned the death of supreme leader Kim Jong Il.

In a “special broadcast” today, state media said Kim died of a heart ailment on a train due to a “great mental and physical strain” during a “high intensity field inspection” on Saturday.

“It is the biggest loss for the party ... and it is our people and nation’s biggest sadness,” a TV anchorwoman clad in black Korean traditional dress said in a voice choked with tears.

The official Korean Central News Agency said the country, people and military “must faithfully revere respectable comrade Kim Jong Un”.

“At the leadership of comrade Kim Jong Un, we have to change sadness to strength and courage and overcome today’s difficulties,” it said.

• In pictures: Reaction to the death of Kim Jong Il

Kim Jong Il unveiled his third son Kim Jong Un as his successor a year ago, putting him in high-ranking posts. Little is known about the younger Kim, who is believed to be in his 20s.

South Korea’s police were placed on a high alert after Kim’s death, according to the National Police Agency, and the South Korean parliament convened emergency committee sessions on national defence, intelligence and unification affairs.

South Korean President Lee Myung-bak put the military on alert and convened a national security council meeting. The South Korean and US militaries have bolstered reconnaissance and are sharing intelligence assets on North Korea, according to Seoul’s defence ministry. About 28,500 US troops are stationed in South Korea.

The White House said in a statement that it is closely monitoring reports of Kim’s death.

“The president has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan. We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies,” the statement said.

Asian stock markets moved lower after the news, which raises the possibility of increased instability on the divided Korean peninsula.

A South Korean foreign ministry official said diplomats are shocked but are trying to assess the situation as best as they can.

Chae Jae-eun, a South Korean company worker, said from Seoul that she worried mostly about the economic implications Kim Jong Il’s death would cause. She also said North Korea now stands at a crossroads as the country may isolate itself further or open up.

Lee Kyu-yun, a parliamentary official, said he is personally scared but refrained from speculating on future developments. He said he was considering stocking up on food in case military tension soars.

North Korea said Kim’s body will be placed in the Kumsusan memorial palace in Pyongyang and there will be a national mourning period until December 29. Kim’s funeral will be held on December 28.