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Kim Jong Il's funeral begins

The life of DPRK leader Kim Jong Il

DPRK state TV reports Kim Jong Il's death

DPRK leader Kim Jong Il dies at age 69 

DPRK leader Kim Jong Il dead 

DPRK mourns Kim Jong Il 

Pyongyang residents react to Kim's death 

DPRK embassy in Beijing lowers flag 

World Reactions

China expresses 'deep condolences' on Kim's death

China on Monday offered its "deep condolences" on the death of Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) ... [Full story]

'China, DPRK stand together in good or bad times'

China on Monday sent condolences to the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) over the death of DPRK top leader Kim Jong Il ... [Full story]

US in close touch with ROK, Japan over Kim's death

The White House said late Sunday that the U.S. is in close touch with South Korea and Japan over the death of Kim Jong Il and remains committed to stability on the Korean Peninsula ... [Full story]

Obama calls S. Korean president on Kim's death

U.S. President Barack Obama held a phone conversation with South Korean President Lee Myung-bak following the death of Kim Jong Il ... [Full story]

S. Korea on high alert following Kim's death

Immediately after the DPRK's KCNA news agency reported Kim's death, South Korean President Lee Myung-bak convened the National Security Council (NSC) to discuss follow-up measures with officials including the foreign minister and the defense chief ... [Full story]

Noda urges to keep in touch with US, China, ROK

Japan has already discussed Kim Jong Il's death with U.S., South Korea, and Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda urged officials to keep in touch with U.S., China, South Korea over the issue ... [Full story]

Japan hopes Korean Peninsula security not to be affected

Japan hopes DPRK leader Kim Jong Il's death has no negative impact on Korean Peninsula security, and strengthens preparations for contingencies, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura told an emergency news conference on Monday ... [Full story]

 World should remain calm over Kim's death

Australian Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd said In Canberra on Monday world countries and leaders should maintain calm and restraint over the news of Kim Jong Il's death ... [Full story]

More countries:   Indonesia, New Zealand

Key facts about Kim Jong Il 

Feb. 16, 1942 

Kim Jong Il was born. 

1960

Kim began to study at the politics and economics department of Kim Il Sung University and graduated four years later. 

1964 

Kim started working for the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK). 

1973

Kim was elected secretary of the committee and in February the next year, member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee.

 Since Oct. 1980

Kim has been member of the Presidium of the Politburo and secretary of the Central Committee of the WPK and member of the Central Military Commission. 

1982 - 1998 

 Kim was elected deputy to every Supreme People's Assembly.

Dec. 1992 – Apr. 1993 

Kim was successively Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army, First Vice-Chairman and later Chairman of the National Defense Commission. 

Oct. 8, 1997 

 Kim was elected General Secretary of the WPK.