North Korean leader Kim Jong Il died Saturday at the age of 69-years-old while on a train. The cause of death has been declared a heart attack brought on by exhaustion.
North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said Kim suffered “great mental and physical strain” while on a train. Kim, who had been treated for “cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases for a long period,” suffered a heart attack on Saturday and couldn’t be saved despite the use of “every possible first-aid measure,” according to the agency.
North Koreans, who often refer to Kim as “dear leader”, are currently in a state of shock and disbelief at their leader’s passing. They fear the many perils their country may face and believe the country’s armed forces should be on guard.
“We should increase the country’s military capability in every way to reliably safeguard the Korean socialist system and the gains of revolution,” the National Funeral Committee said.
For now, Kim’s youngest son, Kim Jong Un, has been declared the successor and will begin his reign according to a letter from the ruling Workers’ Party on Monday.
Kim’s body will remain for a week at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang until his memorial service on December 28 and 29.
Source: CNN
