NORTH Koreans marched in their hundreds to their capital Pyongyang's landmarks to mourn Kim Jong Il, many crying uncontrollably and flailing their arms in grief over news of the death of their Dear Leader.
State media proclaimed his twenty-something son and heir-apparent Kim Jong Un the "great successor."
After 17 years in power, Kim died of heart failure on Saturday at age 69 while carrying out official duties on a train trip.
Kim died "from a great mental and physical strain," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim, who had received medical treatment for cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases over a long period, suffered "an advanced acute myocardial infarction, complicated with a serious heart shock" on the train, it added.
The report said that every possible first-aid measure was taken immediately, which failed to save Kim's life, adding that an autopsy was done on Sunday and "fully confirmed" the diagnosis. Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008.
On the streets of Pyongyang, people wailed in grief, some kneeling on the ground or bowing repeatedly. Children and adults laid flowers at key memorials.
"How could the heavens be so cruel? Please come back, general. We cannot believe you're gone," Hong Son Ok shouted in an interview with North Korea's official television, her body shaking wildly.
State media proclaimed his twenty-something son and heir-apparent Kim Jong Un the "great successor."
After 17 years in power, Kim died of heart failure on Saturday at age 69 while carrying out official duties on a train trip.
Kim died "from a great mental and physical strain," the Korean Central News Agency reported. Kim, who had received medical treatment for cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases over a long period, suffered "an advanced acute myocardial infarction, complicated with a serious heart shock" on the train, it added.
The report said that every possible first-aid measure was taken immediately, which failed to save Kim's life, adding that an autopsy was done on Sunday and "fully confirmed" the diagnosis. Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008.
On the streets of Pyongyang, people wailed in grief, some kneeling on the ground or bowing repeatedly. Children and adults laid flowers at key memorials.
"How could the heavens be so cruel? Please come back, general. We cannot believe you're gone," Hong Son Ok shouted in an interview with North Korea's official television, her body shaking wildly.
The death comes at a sensitive time as North Korea prepares for next year's 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung. The preparations include massive construction projects as part of Kim Jong Il's promise to bring prosperity.
Some analysts, however, said Kim's death was unlikely to plunge the country into chaos because it was already preparing for a transition. Kim Jong Il indicated a year ago that Kim Jong Un would be his successor, putting him in high-ranking posts.
Some analysts, however, said Kim's death was unlikely to plunge the country into chaos because it was already preparing for a transition. Kim Jong Il indicated a year ago that Kim Jong Un would be his successor, putting him in high-ranking posts.
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