Kim Jong Il, the ruler of North Korea, has died at the age of 69. He took charge in 1994, at the death of his father, Kim Il Sung. No one else has ever governed the country, and the apparent next in line is Kim Jong Il’s son, Kim Jong-un. North Koreans were shown weeping openly in the streets today at news that their “Dear Leader” has died. We’ll hear about the brutal regime of Kim Jong Il and the prospects for change in the governance of a nuclear power.
Banner Image: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - DECEMBER 19: South Koreans watch a television broadcast following the announcement of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, at the Seoul Railwat Station on December 19, 2011 in Seoul, South Korea. State television today announced Kim Jong Il, 69, died Saturday after reportedly suffering a heart attack. Reports claim mourners will be permitted to view the body between December 20 - 27, with a state funeral to be held on December 28. Il will be succeeded by his third son, Kim Jon Un. The death of the North Korean leader has brought uncertainty across the region both in terms of Asian financial markets, which fell overnight and militarily with the knowledge that North Korea has a nuclear program. (Photo by Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images)