North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has died at the age of 69, state-run television has announced.

Mr Kim, who has led the communist nation since the death of his father in 1994, died on a train while visiting an area outside the capital, the announcement said.

He suffered a stroke in 2008 and was absent from public view for months.

His designated successor is believed to be his third son, Kim Jong-un, who is thought to be in his late 20s.

The BBC's Lucy Williamson in Seoul says Mr Kim's death will cause huge shock waves across North Korea.

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I just hope his son will show a more caring attitude to his people, but I doubt it.

The son that he hand picked (and has presumably been giving instructions to)? I suspect the people of North Korea will be seeing more of the same or perhaps even worse.

Indeed. Considering that the neighbouring Nations have gone on high alert doesn't bode well. Hopefully he won't try and make too big a mark to initiate his 'Presidency'.

North Korean golfing legend (and oppressive dictator) Kim Jong Il passed away over the weekend. He was just 69 years old, but laid claim to golfing skills that would make greats like Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods and Walter Hagen weep with envy.

Back in 1994, the man set a record that is likely to stand forever. Playing his first round of golf on a regulation, PGA-style, 18-hole course, Kim Jong Il scored 11 holes-in-one while he carded a stunning 38 UNDER par. Seventeen bodyguards were on hand to witness and attest the score. Regarding the 11 holes-in-one on a single round, that feat will only be repeated on putt-putt golf courses as most regulation-sized courses.

The son that he hand picked (and has presumably been giving instructions to)? I suspect the people of North Korea will be seeing more of the same or perhaps even worse.

Kin Jong-Il was in charge, but what I'm actually expecting now is for his gormless looking son to be a puppet leader for the communist military government. He'll be their poster boy while they make the decisions. So I'm expecting more missile tests, more attacks on foreign ships and more secret nuke development.

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