Jessica PhelanDecember 26, 2011 10:30

Signing their names in the book of condolences, Lee Hee Ho wrote that she hoped the spirit of the North-South Joint declaration would be "carried forward to achieve national reunification as early as possible."

Kim Jong Un hailed 'Supreme Leader' by military

Lillian RizzoDecember 24, 2011 16:51

The North Korean military hailed Kim Jong Un, the country’s new leader, its “supreme leader,” the Associated Press reported. The support of the military is considered crucial during this time, when Kim Jong Un is taking over the country less than a week after his father, Kim Jong Il died.

"Outstanding Leader:" Kim Jong Un gets nickname

Hanna IngberDecember 22, 2011 18:15

This is being seen by observers as an attempt by the government to build support for the new leader and encourage a smooth transition of power. It also builds a cult of personality around the leader.

Erin Conway-SmithDecember 22, 2011 12:11

Princess Tenko, Kim Jong Il's favorite magician, invited to his funeral

Kim Jong Il hosted Japanese magician Princess Tenko in North Korea, and tried to prevent her from leaving the country.

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The late North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was a big fan of Japanese illusionist Tenko Hikita aka "Princess Tenko." (KAZUHIRO NOGI/AFP/Getty Images)

Kim Jong Il's favorite magician, a Japanese woman who goes by the stage name Princess Tenko, has been invited to attend his funeral in North Korea — even though Pyongyang has announced that no foreign dignitaries will be allowed to come and pay respects.

Princess Tenko (also known as Tenko Hikita), 51, performed magic shows in North Korea in 1998 and 2000 and attended numerous private dinners hosted by Kim, who died last weekend. She is renowned for her elaborate costumes and doll make-up.

Erin Conway-SmithDecember 22, 2011 10:43

North Korea: "Natural wonders" observed when Kim Jong Il died

When Kim Jong Il died, the holiest mountain glowed red, according to state media.

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North Korean commuters wait for a bus beneath posters showing Mount Paekdu and the Kim Jong-Il flower in the North Korea capital, Pyongyang. (MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)

The day that Kim Jong Il died, the peak of North Korea's holiest mountain glowed red and a sheet of ice cracked on Heaven Lake, shaking the area with an unusually loud noise.

These were among the "peculiar natural wonders" observed around Kim's death, according to the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

South Korea skeptical over details of Kim Jong Il's death

Hanna IngberDecember 21, 2011 12:30

Won reportedly told officials, "There were no signs the train ever moved."

Kim Jong Un "to share power with military and uncle": report

News DeskDecember 21, 2011 05:17

Jang Song-thaek, 65, is the brother-in-law of Kim Jong Il and has been described as a charismatic man with powerful political and military connections. In 2009, he was appointed to the National Defense Commission, the supreme leadership council that Kim Jong Il led.

Cuba declares 3 days of mourning for Kim Jong Il

Hanna IngberDecember 20, 2011 12:39

The government's official statement, which was read on state television, also ordered Cuban flags to be flown at half staff.

Body of Kim Jong Il lies in state ahead of funeral

Amanda MorrowDecember 20, 2011 06:17

Kim, who is lying in state at Pyongyang's Kumsusan Memorial Palace, was dressed in his trademark khaki tunic, with a red sheet covering most of his body.

Erin Conway-SmithDecember 19, 2011 16:57

Best Kim Jong Il spoofs: Team America, and more (VIDEO)

GlobalPost curates the best Kim Jong Il impressions, from Team America to 30 Rock to MADtv.

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In perhaps the best-known Kim Jong Il spoof, a puppet Kim Jong Il performs the song "I'm So Ronery" in the film Team America: World Police. (Screengrab)

There was something about Kim Jong Il that satirists couldn't resist.

Was it his platform shoes? His bouffant hairdo? His vintage sunglasses? Or perhaps his famous "on-the-spot guidance," in which he would he would visit factories and army units and pretend to be an expert on everything (hydroelectric power, filmmaking, weaponry, chicken farming...)?