NORTH KOREA: Country prepares to celebrate the 70th birthday of late 'dear leader' Kim Jong-il on February 16, with residents paying their respect at various memorials

Record ID: 1960313

  • Title: NORTH KOREA: Country prepares to celebrate the 70th birthday of late 'dear leader' Kim Jong-il on February 16, with residents paying their respect at various memorials
  • Date: 16th February 2012
  • Summary: PYONGYANG, NORTH KOREA (FEBRUARY 14, 2012) (ORIGINALLY 4:3) (CCTV - NO ACCESS CHINA) NORTH KOREAN OFFICIALS GATHERING AROUND STATUES TO BE UNVEILED PEOPLE HOLDING FLOWERS NORTH KOREAN OFFICIALS INCLUDING NATIONAL DEFENCE COMMISSION DEPUTY CHAIRMAN JANG SONG-THAEK IN BLACK COAT (SECOND FROM LEFT) AND CHIEF OF THE GENERAL STAFF OF ARMY RI YONG-HO (FAR RIGHT) STANDING OF
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  • Topics: History,Domestic Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVAE5J2H5CGVG0JUCJA3RJLT658O
  • Aspect Ratio: 4:3
  • Story Text: In the days leading up to the late leader, Kim Jong-il's 70th birthday which falls on February 16, North Koreans prepared for celebrations, which included an unveiling of his statue.
    Kim, who died of a heart attack on December 17, 2011, led the reclusive state for 17 years. His birthday has been commemorated as a national holiday which also known as the Day of the Shining Star.
    On Tuesday (February 14), statues of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il riding on horses together were unveiled in the capital, Pyongyang.
    Video footage released by state media KRT showed a mountain with a carving of Kim Jong-il's name alongside the title of "unequalled patriot".
    Throngs of North Koreans could be seen gathering at the site to pay their respects.
    The 16th Kimjongilia Festival opened on Tuesday (February 14) to mark the anniversary.
    The North's official news agency KCNA said more than 30,000 potted flowers, named after Kim, were displayed at the festival.
    On Sunday (February 12), officials and residents gathered in front of the birthplace of Kim Jong-il to pledge their loyalty.
    The participants observed a minute's silence in memory of Kim and fireworks were displayed in the sky above the mountain peak, which was named after him.
    Kim's son, Kim Jong-un, believed to be 27 or 28-years-old, was named the "Great Successor" after his father's death last December.
    He was officially appointed the head of North Korea's 1.2-million strong military on December 30, 2011, two days after the official mourning for the death of his father and former leader Kim Jong-il ended.
    Experts believe the untested new leader, who had only been groomed for power since 2009, will rule with the aid of a close coterie that includes his uncle and key power-broker, Jang Song-thaek, at least in the early stages of the leadership transition.
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