North Korean Leader Kim Jong-IL Is Dead – State TV

LATE NORTH KOREAN LEADER KIM JONG IL.PHOTO CREDIT: REUTERS.

SAN FRANCISCO, December 18, (THEWILL) – The controversial leader of North Korea, Kim Jong Il, 69, died on Saturday at 8.30 a.m, the State's run TV said Mondayin Pyongyang.

State news agency, KCNA further added that Kim died after suffering a heart attack from "great mental and physical strain", while in a train during a "field guidance tour."

Kim’s son, Kim Jong-un, who is in his 20s is expected to succeed his father who has ruled the communist and reclusive state since 1994 when he took over from his father and founder of the communist state, Kim Il Song, who died at 82 of heart attack.

He will be buried on December 28 and the national mourning period will run through December 29, the news agency added.

Following his death, neighbours South Korea and Japan have both issued emergency alerts putting their military on standby.