Kim Jong-il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), died on the morning of Dec 17 at the age of 69, leaving his country a heritage that has profound strategic implications.
Given the DPRK's traditional filial piety and political authoritarianism the leadership transition should be stable and orderly. Besides, those who are able to influence the political situation are all beneficiaries of the existing system. Therefore, there is little likelihood of any unexpected political initiatives or activities that might jeopardize Kim Jong-un taking hold of the reins of power.
Tens of thousands of people lined Pyongyang's snow-covered streets on Wednesday to express their grief and bid farewell to their late leader Kim Jong-il.
The United Nations on Wednesday flew its blue and white flag at half mast at the UN Headquarters here in New York to mourn the death of Kim Jong-il.
Business was booming for flower sellers in the Chinese border city of Dandong on Wednesday as mourners gathered at the Democratic People's Republic of Korea consulate to pay their respects to late leader Kim Jong-il.
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