NEWS: North Korean leader Kim Jong-il dies

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died at the age of 69, state-run television has announced.

Mr Kim, who has led the communist nation since the death of his father in 1994, died on a train while visiting an area outside the capital, the announcement said.

He suffered a stroke in 2008 and was absent from public view for months.

His designated successor is believed to be his third son, Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be in his late 20s.

North Korea's state-run news agency, KCNA, urged people to unite behind the younger Kim.

"All party members, military men and the public should faithfully follow the leadership of comrade Kim Jong-un and protect and further strengthen the unified front of the party, military and the public," the news agency said.

A funeral for Kim Jong-il will be held in Pyongyang on 28 December and Kim Jong-un will head the funeral committee, KCNA said. A period of national mourning has been declared from 17 to 29 December.

Aletrius wrote:Now, who's going to take over?

Power struggle North Korean style.

LordRemington wrote:From what I read, Kim Jong-il's son was given the title of "general" in the army despite having zero military experience, and now he is receiving the title of ruler? Even if he is not the crazy dictator his father is (and he most likely will be anyway), he probably doesn't have the know-how to even run a country.