Past laid to rest as N Korea looks to future
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.North Korea announced yesterday that the three-year period of mourning for Kim Il Sung, the country's "Great Leader", was over, renewing speculation that his son, Kim Jong Il, will soon accede formally to the presidency.
The younger Kim has been commander-in-chief of North Korea's huge military forces since 1994, but has yet to take on the highest state titles of president and general secretary of the Korean Workers' Party.
Information about the inner workings of the communist leadership is virtually non-existent, but speculation has focused on two possibilities: either protocol makes it inappropriate for a new leader to be inaugurated during the mourning period, or Mr Kim does not command the confidence of his party.
Food shortages, economic decline and continuing tensions with Pyongyang's deadly rivals in South Korea have encouraged rumours that Kim Jong Il's authority is under threat.
Yesterday, at ceremonies to mark the third anniversary of his father's death, senior members of the Worker's Party referred to him by military rather than state titles, but reaffirmed his status as Kim Il Sung's heir. "Long ago he most brilliantly solved the question of inheritance of the leadership in Korea, with a high sense of responsibility for Socialism and the future of the people," said the foreign minister, Kim Yong Nam, in a speech carried by the Korean Central News Agency. "Party members, officers and men of the People's Army, and all the people will forever believe in Comrade Kim Jong Il, and follow none but him."
Last month, North Korea's ambassador to Moscow said Mr Kim would take on the presidency soon after yesterday's ceremonies, but a report by the South Korean government this week predicted that this would not happen until October.
State television yesterday showed an unsmiling Mr Kim listening to speeches praising him in front of the presidential palace. Thousands of mourners were shown laying wreaths at a huge statue of the late "Great Leader".
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments