(CNN) Seoul – A tearful state TV broadcaster reported Kim’s death Monday. She said the 69-year-old leader died Saturday due to “overwork” while “dedicating his life to the people.”
North Korea’s official KCNA news agency said Kim suffered “great mental and physical strain” while on a train. Kim, who had been treated for “cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases for a long period,” suffered a heart attack on Saturday and couldn’t be saved despite the use of “every possible first-aid measure,” according to the agency.
In the country where Kim was revered as “dear leader,” passers-by wept uncontrollably on the streets of Pyongyang.
“My leader, what will we do? It’s too much! It’s too much!” one person sobbed. “Leader, please come back. … You cannot leave us. We will always wait for you, Leader.”