North Korea News Updates -- December 26, 2011

A Week After N. Korean Leader’s Death, Signs Of Smooth Transition --Washington Post

SEOUL — In the span of one week, Kim Jong Eun became North Korea’s “great successor” and his political party’s “outstanding leader.” The country’s state-run newspaper, as if introducing the next step, urged him to become the military’s “supreme commander.” And, so far, there is no evidence of opposition to his ascension from within the secretive Stalinist nation.

Since the announcement last Monday of the death of leader Kim Jong Il, North Korea has touted his heir with unequivocal zeal — a sign, experts say, that a tenuous power transfer is passing the first of its many tests. Outside analysts concede that they have limited insight into Pyongyang’s ruling class, but they liken the group to a pack of bulldogs in the room next door: You hear the growling if they start to fight.

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More News On North Korea

New North Korean Leader Ascends to Head of Party -- New York Times
Kim Jong-il's son assumes powerful North Korean post -- CBC/AP
Kim Jong Il's son strengthens power with new post -- Newsday
North Korea burnishes new ruler's credentials -- AFP
New North Korean Leader Assumes Another Top Post -- Voice of America

DPRK paper says Kim Jong Un now leading country -- Xinhuanet
S.Korea Delegation Heads North as Kim Jong Un Elevated -- Bloomberg

North Korean Power-Behind-Throne Emerges as Neighbours Meet -- New York Times/Reuters

South Korean civilian delegation visits North to pay respects to Kim -- CNN
South Korean mourners visit North as Kim Jong-un's elevation gathers pace -- The Guardian
South Korea ex-First Lady Lee Hee-ho mourns Kim Jong-il -- BBC
In South Korea, a grassroots movement urges peace with the North -- L.A. Times