Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s mercurial and enigmatic leader, has died. He was 69.
Kim’s death was announced Monday by state television from the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.
Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008 but appeared relatively vigorous in photos and video from recent trips to China and Russia and in numerous trips around the country carefully documented by state media.
The leader, reputed to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine, was believed to have had diabetes and heart disease.
Not a moment too soon, either.
Unfortunately he didn’t take along an entourage consisting of North Korea’s hard-line generals.
It is quite fitting that I am drinking a glass of Little Penquin Merlot in celebration of this blessed event.
Kim Jong Il is dead.
Liberalmann, Hugo Chavez and Raul Castro hardest hit.
Kim Jong Il is now Kim Jong Dead. Not that anyone will benefit by the replacement of one lunatic with another.
Now Kim is a good Commie.
Time for the North Koreans to “Talk amongst yourselves” and discuss the new seating arrangements.
Beware!
Talk is not cheap in North Korea, and the talks usually involve knives and guns. (And disappearances, and new acquaintances, and plenty of tears, and things that go “BOOM”, and lots of chest-pounding accompanied by “weapons systems tests” and……………………………..).
He’s no longer ronery.
So someone sprayed him with Raid? (Team America references).
One thing that I don’t understand.
Why don’t these Asians ever just facilitate an uprising and take control of their countries?
China. North Korea. Cuba (Not Asian, but you get the point). Laos. Vietnam.
Yeah sure, doing so means a lot of the citizens will die. Big whoop!
Didn’t WE DO THAT to fight oppression?
But images like THIS (Courtesy Ace Of Spades) mean “Something ain’t quite right.”
http://ace.mu.nu/archives/enhanced-buzz-30226-1324265564-83.jpg
And the obligatory AOS commentary, very good:
“Update: To honor Jong-Il North Korea has announced that all lights will be turned off.
Oh wait that’s how North Korea looks every night.”
Heh!