Full coverage: Kim Jong Il | 1942-2011

Kim Jong Il | 1942-2011

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, the mercurial strongman extolled at home as the "Dear Leader" and reviled abroad as a tyrant, has died at 69. Kim's death was announced by state television from the North Korean capital, Pyongyang. Obituary

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il. ( European Pressphoto Agency )

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Kim Jong Il dies at 69; North Korean leader

December 19, 2011

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il dies

Kim, 69, defied and baffled world with his nuclear aims and bizarre actions. His death creates uncertainty about the future direction of the isolated nation.

October 14, 2010

North Korea's Kim Jong Eun already getting some bad press

Stories arise of sour grapes in the Kim family and abuse of farming officials who protested actions linked to the building of the future leader's estate.

October 9, 2010

North Koreans celebrate newly anointed Kim Jong Eun

A military parade marks the 65th anniversary of the ruling Worker's Party and honors the successor to Kim Jong Il.

September 29, 2010

Kim Jong Il's son named to more senior positions

The events are another sign that the mysterious young man will soon succeed his father to become the next leader of North Korea.

January 10, 2010

'Nothing to Envy' by Barbara Demick

Demick's account of the ordinary lives of North Koreans is a "piercing account" of their daily ordeals.

July 4, 2005

Trading ideals for sustenance

Hunger is driving North Koreans to capitalistic enterprises and weakening the communist regime's iron grip.

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