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DPRK bids farewell to late leader Kim Jong-il

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Wednesday bid final farewell to the nation's late leader Kim Jong-il. The ceremony began at the plaza of the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the official KCNA news agency reported.

National memorial service held at Kim Il Sung Square in DPRK

People attended a national memorial service held at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang to mourn late leader Kim Jong Il on December 29, 2011.

Key facts about Kim Jong Il

Kim Jong Il was born on Feb. 16, 1942. In 1960, he began to study at the politics and economics department of Kim Il Sung University and graduated four years later.

Kim Jong Il was the supreme leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. He was the General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, the ruling party since 1948, Chairman of the the National Defense Commission, and the Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army.

Kim Jong Il displayed in a glass coffin

The body of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is laid in a memorial palace in Pyongyang, North Korea, Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011.
DPRK people mourning Kim Jong Il's death

DPRK people mourning the passing away of Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang.
DPRK people mourning leader's death

mourning the passing away of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), in Pyongyang.

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DPRK state TV announcer choked with tears

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Details of Kim's death

DPRK top leader passes away from mental, physical strain

In a "special broadcast" Monday from the North Korean capital, state media said Kim died on a train due to a "great mental and physical strain" on Dec. 17 during a "high intensity field inspection."

It said an autopsy was done on Dec. 18 and "fully confirmed" the diagnosis. "It is the biggest loss for the party ... and it is our people and nation's biggest sadness," an anchorwoman said in a voice choked with tears.