North Korea's longtime leader Kim Jong Il, the embodiment of the reclusive state where his cult of personality is deeply entrenched, has died, state TV reported.
He was believed to be 69.
Regarded as one of the world's most-repressive leaders, Kim Jong Il always cut a slightly bizarre figure. His diminutive stature and characteristically bouffant hair have been parodied by some in the West.
jecasc
12:36 pm on Dec 19, 2011 (gmt 0)
I was in South Korea two years ago and visited the DMZ, one of the tunnels they dug from North to South and Dorasan Station. Pretty creepy, surreal and completly nuts.
Will be interesting to see how things develop in the next month.
piatkow
3:18 pm on Dec 19, 2011 (gmt 0)
On the news this morning they were talking about how he would need to get the army on his side. Made me think more of the Roman empire than the 21st century.
Old_Honky
7:53 pm on Dec 20, 2011 (gmt 0)
I thought it was really touching how the people mourned his passing. "Cry or you go to the gulag"?
Now he will be replaced by his 28 year old son who looks as though he is badly in need of nutritional advice and the services of a good hairdresser. I am reassured that he grins perpetually... just the sort of solid chap you need with his finger poised above the nuclear button.
koan
9:51 pm on Dec 20, 2011 (gmt 0)
We always hope that the successor will be a good person who will help transition the country to democracy and freedom. They invariably end up being even worse than the parent.
Rugles
10:06 pm on Dec 20, 2011 (gmt 0)
The greatest golfer to ever live.
johnhh
12:40 am on Dec 22, 2011 (gmt 0)
We always hope that the successor will be a good person
I'm waiting for the call.. really cool to own a country !to put a lighter note on it
thegreatpretender
1:36 pm on Dec 22, 2011 (gmt 0)
"The greatest golfer to ever live."
Eleven hole in one on his very first time to play!
