DPRK top leader passes away from mental, physical strain

Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), passed away last Saturday, the DPRK's official KCNA news agency reported on Monday.Kim, who was general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army (KPA), died "from a great mental and physical strain at 08:30 (2330 GMT Friday) Dec. 17, 2011, on the train during a field guidance tour," said the report. Meanwhile, the KCNA also said that the "Korean revolution" is led by Kim Jong Un now, and that the WPK members, servicepersons and all other people will be faithful to his leadership, citing a notice released Saturday by the WPK Central Committee and Central Military Commission, DPRK National Defence Commission, Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and Cabinet, according to the KCNA. The 69-year-old Kim Jong Il suffered an advanced acute myocardial infarction Saturday, complicated with a serious heart shock, and every possible first-aid measure was taken immediately before his death, said the report. The National Funeral Committee led by Kim Jong Un has been set up and the body of Kim Jong Il will be placed at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace. The DPRK will be in a period of mourning from Dec. 17 to Dec. 29 and condolence will be accepted form Tuesday to Dec. 27, said the report, adding that the farewell ceremony will be held on Dec. 28 and the National Meeting of Memorial will be held on Dec. 29.