North Korean Heir Leads Funeral Of Kim Jong Il

Published December 28, 2011 5:18AM (EST)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea's next leader is leading a funeral procession for his father Kim Jong Il through Pyongyang's snow-covered streets.

Footage broadcast Wednesday on North Korea's state television showed Kim Jong Un walking at the side of a sedan bearing a massive portrait of Kim Jong Il as it made its way slowly through a cold, gray Pyongyang.

Tens of thousands of mourners stood in the snow as they passed by. Soldiers stood in lines with their heads bowed.

Kim died of a heart attack on Dec. 17.

Kim's youngest son and successor has rapidly gained prominence following his father's death.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP's earlier story is below.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea television is showing tens of thousands of mourners gathered in the snow at Kim Jong Il's funeral.

Footage broadcast Wednesday on North Korea's state television showed a procession led by a sedan bearing a massive portrait of Kim making its way slowly through Pyonyang. Soldiers stood in lines with their heads bowed.

Kim died of a heart attack on Dec. 17.

North Korea's state television station is airing footage showing a stream of wailing people paying their final respects to the late leader.

Kim's youngest son and successor Kim Jong Un has rapidly gained prominence following his father's death.


By Salon Staff

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