It’s no real shock that Kim Jong-Il’s heart was the cause of his death, considering the leader was hated by most people outside of his country for his inhumane actions. The only surprise that comes from this announcement is the fact that such a cold and harsh individual actually had a heart in his chest.  The North Korean leader responsible for turning his country into a nuclear-weapons power, died on Saturday of a heart attack.

This unexpected death has left North Koreans and the rest of the world beyond shocked. While Kim Jong-Il did have his successor selected, his youngest son Kim Jong-un, his death still comes at a trying time. Technically, the country is still at war with South Korea and the United States after about 60 years, and their only real ally is China.

The country did wait two days to announce the death of their leader, which could show some signs of a less-than comfortable shift in power. Kim Jong-un is believed to be in his 20s and was unknown up until last September when Kim Jong-Il brought him into the public eye, making him a four-star general and vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the Workers’ Party.

The Workers’ Party said, “Under the leadership of our comrade Kim Jong-un, we have to turn sadness into strength and courage, and overcome today’s difficulties.”

Despite any signs of a rough transition, South Korea has put its armed forces on high alert. Apparently, a number of short-range missiles were tested by North Korea earlier this morning. The death of Kim Jong-Il and succession of Kim Jong-un is pretty unpredictable.

The new, young leader wasn’t necessarily given adequate time to be trained to direct the dysfunctional country and earn the full respect of North Korea’s military commanders. This could push him to prove himself, inadvertently causing war.

“There are a whole range of scenarios for when Kim dies,” a former American military commander in South Korea said recently. “Anyone who tells you they understand what is going to happen is either lying or deceiving himself.”

A funeral will be held for the leader on Dec. 28, and a period of mourning began Saturday and will run through Dec. 29.

Sources: The New York Times

Photo Source: Wikipedia