thedailywhat:

Breaking News of the Day: Kim Jong-il, the Supreme Leader of North Korea, passed away yesterday of exhaustion, according to local media reports. He was 69.

A North Korean state media announcement said the dictator died of “physical fatigue” during a train ride.

Kim was known to have been sick for some time, reportedly suffering two strokes which affected his mobility and speech. He was also said to have been suffering from pancreatic cancer. 

The so-called “Dear Leader” officially took over the role three years after the passing of his father, Kim Il-sung, in 1994.

No word yet on who might succeed him, though his son, Jong Un, was reportedly being groomed for the position. Other reports suggest his brother-in-law, Chang Sung-taek, may already be the de facto leader.

The South Korean military has been put on high alert following news of Kim Jong-il’s passing.

[yonhapnews.]