North Korean brass has crowned Kim Jong Un the supreme leader at Thursday’s massive public memorial for his father Kim Jong Il.
STORY: Dictator’s Farewell! Thousands Grieve For North Korea’s Kim Jong Il
This latest announcement has cemented the family’s hold on power for a new generation.
Kim Jong Un was dubbed North Korea’s Great Successor after his father’s death and stood with his head bowed and somber in a dark overcoat during his funeral.
The unequivocal public backing for Kim Jong Un at his father’s memorial provides a strong signal that government and military officials have unified around him in the wake of Kim Jong Il’s death Dec. 17.
Ralph Cossa, president of Pacific Forum CSIS, a Hawaii-based think tank, said of the transfer of power:
“The father’s plan is being implemented. All of these guys have a vested interest in the system and a vested interest in demonstrating stability. The last thing they want to do is create havoc.”
For Thursday’s memorial, North Koreans packed the main square grieving for their departed leader, flags flew at half-staff and people were bundled up in parkas.
Everyone bowed their heads as eight artillery guns fired; military officers removed their hats while the booms resonated across Kim Il Sung Square.
Sounds like more of the same is in store for the North Korean people.
