On December 19th, North Korea‘s Chosun Joongang TV reported that leader Kim Jong Il had passed away at the age of 69.

Amidst tears, the anchorwoman announced that the leader had passed away from fatigue and overwork, resulting in a , while on an express train on December 17th at 8:30 p.m. KST.

YTN confirmed the news by broadcasting the segment live at 12 p.m. KST today.

The South Korean military has meanwhile been put on alert following the announcement, with its National Security Council convening for an emergency meeting.