Pyongyang to see Kim Jong-il’s funeral, Dec 28

PanARMENIAN.Net - Hundreds of thousands of North Korean citizens are expected to turn out on Wednesday, December 28, for the funeral of Kim Jong-il, the man they have revered as The Dear Leader since he assumed power in 1994.

State media have so far given no indications of how the event will proceed, although it is likely to be similar to the funeral for Kim's father, Kim Il-sung, and underline the achievements of his rule and his commitment to the North Korea people.

Since Kim's death was announced on December 19, two days after he apparently suffered a fatal heart attack, North Korean television has broadcast scenes of wailing citizens prostrating themselves before pictures and statues of Kim.

The Korean Central News Agency has reported that "the while country is wrapped in an atmosphere of mourning" and workers are "overcome with indescribable grief."

The media is simultaneously playing up the attributes and wisdom of Kim Jong-un, who has inherited his father's role as the leader of the nation, despite his youth. Kim Jong-un, who is believed to be 28 years old, was on Monday, Dec. 26 appointed to the top post in North Korea's Workers' Party, The Telegraph reported.