North Korea Leader Kim Jong-Il Dies

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North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-il has died, according to various media reports.

“N. Korean leader died of physical fatigue during train ride,” a flash by Yonhap reads.

AP reports Jong-il had already designated his son, Kim Jong-un, as his heir apparent, noting that Jong-il took over the reigns in North Korea sometime between 1992 and 1994 after the death of his father, Kim Il-sung, who had ruled the country for 46 years.

According to Bloomberg News, “The potential succession of his little-known third son, Kim Jong Un, threatens to trigger a dangerous period for the Korean peninsula, where 1.7 million troops from the two Koreas and the U.S. square off every day.”

It has been widely speculated in media reports that Jong-il had a stroke in August 2008 and may have also contracted pancreatic cancer. Media reports conflict whether Jong-il was 69 or 70.

One thought on “North Korea Leader Kim Jong-Il Dies

  • December 19, 2011 at 4:13 am
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    I’d like to be able to say that yes, his death will effect positive change, but I really doubt it.
    POLL: With the death of Kim Jong Il, with North Korea move out of isolation?
    Vote: http://www.wepolls.com/p/6678501

    Reply

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