North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il Passes Away    [30-12-2011] On December 20, North Korean officials announced that its supreme ruler, Kim Jong-il, passed away on December 17. The dictator, who came into power in 1994 after his father, Kim Il-sung, passed away, died of a heart attack. Reports stated that it was caused by overwork and too much stress. Many were shocked when they heard that the communist nation’s leader had died. Neighboring countries were also tense and anxious. Observers stated that officials kept the leader’s death a secret for the first couple of days because they knew a transition needed to be carefully set up. Kim’s third son, Kim Jong-un, now has to take the role as the country’s leader. The young Kim was publicly declared the North’s next leader about a year ago. When his father was away from the homeland, he would act as the temporary leader. The late communist leader’s body was put on display in a glass coffin in a public ceremony. A red blanket was laid over his body, and a pillow was placed under his head. North Koreans came to pay their respects. Citizens mourned and wept in the streets. North Korea started an 11-day national mourning period on the day his death was announced. People also gathered at national landmarks to honor Kim. A national funeral was held on December 28. No kind of entertainment will be allowed for the next few days. Kim’s body was placed in the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the same place his father has been on display since he passed away nearly 18 years ago. Many world leaders question how the country will change. The communist country’s new leader has only been involved in the government for only a year. Some say that he is not experienced and will act unpredictably. North Korea is known to be a very poor country. The young heir has to figure out many problems, such as the constant shortage of food. He also has to deal with the country's nuclear weapons program, which is highly controversial. South Korea was put on high alert because the North launched missiles on the day of Kim Jong-il’s death. However, many believe that the missiles were launched in order to honor Kim.     출처: 어린이 영자신문 키즈타임즈 (www.kidstimes.net)