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North Korea

Kim Jong Il: A life in pictures

The North Korean leader was photographed countless times during his life, with only official photographs released to the media. Here, we take a look at the life of Kim Jong Il in pictures.

THE LATE Kim Jong Il, who died on Saturday, was photographed countless times in his life – and official photographs released by the North Korean government were how the West was able to keep up with his activities.

The photographs often centred on the leader of North Korea visiting military barracks, speaking to political leaders, or giving his advice to others.

Some of the more mundane photographs even attracted fans through the blog Kim Jong Il Looking At Things, which showed the supreme leader looking at buildings, people and vegetables.

Older photos show him with his father, Kim Il Sung, and taking his first steps into his political career.

Here, we take a look at the life of Kim Jong Il in pictures, from childhood through to the last-known photographs taken of him in August, after he had reportedly suffered a stroke.

Jong Il died at the age of 69; his song, Kim Jong Un, is his heir apparent.

Kim Jong Il: A life in pictures
1 / 32
  • Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Suk

  • 1947

  • 1966

  • 1971

  • Kim Jong Il

  • 1975

  • 1979

  • 1979

  • 1980

  • 1981

  • 1982

  • 1985

  • 60 year war

  • 2000

  • 2000

  • 2001

  • 2001

  • 2002

  • 2002

  • 2002

  • 2005

  • 2005

  • 2006

  • 2007

  • 2007

  • 2009

  • 2010

  • 2011

  • 2011

  • Kim Jong Il with Kim Jong Un

  • Kim Jong Il with Kim Jong Un

  • 2011 - the last-known photo

Read: North Korean Leader Kim Jong Il has died>

Read: Who is Kim Jong Un? Ten things we know>

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