North Korea Marks Anniversary of Former Leader's Death

A picture released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 17 December 2013 shows North Korean people laying wreaths at the statuesof late leaders Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il in Pyongyang. Photo by EPA/KCNA/BGNES

North Korea is marking the second anniversary of former leader Kim Jong Il's death.

Kim Jong Un, son of the late leader, assumed the highest position shortly after his father's death.

The anniversary comes less than a week after Kim Jong Un executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek as a traitor. Thaek was considered the second most powerful official in the country.

On Tuesday, North Koreans lay floral tributes in front of statues of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il, reported Euronews.

Meanwhile, in neighboring South Korea's capital Seoul, anti-North Korea protesters celebrated the former leader's death by burning his portraits.