Kim Jong Il, the longtime dictator of North Korea, has died of heart failure at the age of 69, according to the state-run Chosun Central News Agency.
North Korea’s official news outlet reported Monday that Kim died on the morning of Dec. 17 of a heart ailment due to “physical overwork.” The news agency said an autopsy confirmed the diagnosis.
Kim, referred to as the “Dear Leader,” was reported to have suffered a stroke in 2008 and was in poor health for some time with some reports stating he was suffering from diabetes and heart disease.
According to the Associated Press:
“It is the biggest loss for the party … and it is our people and nation’s biggest sadness,” an anchorwoman clad in black Korean traditional dress said in a voice choked with tears. She said the nation must “change our sadness to strength and overcome our difficulties.”
South Korean media, including Yonhap news agency, said South Korea put its military on “high alert” and President Lee Myung-bak convened a national security council meeting after the news of Kim’s death. Officials couldn’t immediately confirm the reports.
The North Korean regime has been grooming Kim’s youngest son, Kim Jong Un, as a successor by placing him in high-ranking positions in the military. Kim Jong Un is believed to be only in his late 20s. The country’s founder, Kim Il Sung, died in 1994 and was succeeded by Kim Jong Il.
U.S. President Barack Obama was informed of Kim’s death and spoke with South Korean president Lee Myung-bak regarding a potential emergency situation.
“The President reaffirmed the United States’ strong commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our close ally, the Republic of Korea,” White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said in a statement. “The two leaders agreed to stay in close touch as the situation develops and agreed they would direct their national security teams to continue close coordination.”
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