Originally posted by the Voice of America.
Voice of America content is produced by the Voice of America,
a United States federal government-sponsored entity, and is in
the public domain.


    December 28, 2011

Kim Jong Il's Funeral Underway in Snowy Pyongyang

   VOA News
   Photo: NCTV / AFP - Getty Images
   This image taken from North Korean TV shows a portrait of the late
   leader Kim Jong-Il on a car arriving at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in
   Pyongyang. North Korean state television began broadcasting the funeral
   of late leader Kim Jong-Il December 28, with footage of tens of
   thousands of troops bowing their heads in the snow outside a memorial
   palace. (NCTV / AFP - Getty Images)

   The funeral of former North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has begun in
   Pyongyang, where tens of thousands gathered for an extravagant two-day
   ceremony to cement his legacy and transfer power to his youngest son,
   Kim Jong Un.
   Snow filled the gray skies as the funeral procession began early
   Wednesday. A black limousine with a huge portrait of the late leader
   led the procession through Pyongyang's snow-covered streets, followed
   by another limousine with Mr. Kim's flag-draped coffin resting atop on
   a bed of white flowers. Weeping mourners lined the streets, some
   pressing toward the procession as it passed, but held back by security
   guards.
   Images broadcast on North Korea's state television showed Kim Jong Un
   walking alongside his father's hearse as it left the huge square of the
   Kumsusan Memorial Palace. Dressed in a dark overcoat, he bowed his head
   slightly against the snow and raised his right arm in salute. Soldiers
   filled the square as a color guard marched and a military band played
   solemn music.
   Analysts expected the ceremony to be similar to that of Mr. Kim's
   father and founding president Kim Il Sung in 1994, which highlighted
   the hallmarks of his rule and strengthened loyalty to his dynastic
   successor.
   Since Kim Jong Il died of a heart attack on December 17, state
   television has shown repeated scenes of extraordinary public grief
   throughout North Korea.
   Foreign governments are watching events in Pyongyang closely because of
   concerns about the young Mr. Kim's rise in a country with a nuclear
   program, a large army and a history of deep animosity toward its
   neighbors.
   Official media have been quick to declare Kim Jong Un as the "great
   successor," supreme military commander and chief of the ruling Worker's
   Party.

.