North Korean leader dies on train trip; KCNA news agency says he suffered massive heart attack; leader's youngest son Kim Jong-un is seen as the leader-in-waiting.
By REUTERSNorth Korean leader Kim Jong-il 311 r(photo credit: REUTERS)
SEOUL - North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died on a train trip, state television reported on Monday, sparking immediate concern over who is in control of the reclusive state and its nuclear program.Kim Jong-il suffered a massive heart attack on a train on Saturday, the North's KCNA news agency said in a separate dispatch about his death.RELATED:Analysis: Kim death complicates N.Korea nuclear quandaryAn autopsy conducted on Sunday confirmed the cause of death, it said.The leader's youngest son, Kim Jong-un, was at the head of a long list of officials making up the funeral committee, indicating he will lead it.Kim Jong-un is seen as the leader-in-waiting after he was appointed to senior political and military posts in 2010.South Korea's military has been put on emergency alert following the report of Kim Jong-il's death, Yonhap news agency said on Monday.South Korea's presidential Blue House has called an emergency National Security Council meeting, Yonhap said.Japan has spoken with the United States and South Korea about the situation in North Korea following the news a foreign ministry official told reporters.Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has been told to hold talks with relevant countries so that he can respond to any situation concerning North Korea, the official added.
