South Korea on High Alert Following Kim Jong Ils Death (VIDEO)

New leadership in North Korea breeds fear of instability in neighboring countries.

South Korea’s military declared an emergency alert over the weekend, following the news that North Korean leader, Kim Jong Il, had died suddenly.  South Korea has known a long history of conflict and tension with their northern neighbor, prompting President Lee Myung-bak to put his military on high alert.

On Monday, leadership in North Korea shifted to Kim Jong Il’s youngest son, Kim Jong Un, believed to be 27 or 28. He was made a four star general a year ago when his father’s health issues became apparent. Jong Un was educated in the Switzerland and is said to be computer savy, but other than that, little is known about the new head of power in the north – even to North Korean’s he’s a bit of a mystery.

He is young and inexperienced and has not had the chance to learn how to act out his new role. Some analysts believe that Kim Jong Un’s older relatives will be making most of the decisions, at least at first, while the young son acts as a figure head. The military in North Korea may also try to enforce their power.

South Korea received the support of the west with the news of the 69 year old leader’s death. President Obama called President Myungbak the night the news was released, to offer his support. The White House said they are monitoring the developments in North Korea and said that “our unwavering commitment to the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the security of our allies, South Korea and Japan.”

The state run news agency in North Korea claim the tyrannical leader died from overwork while “dedicating his life to the people.” On Saturday, Kim Jong Il, suffered a heart attack while on a train. The news agency says that he had long suffered from cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases. 

Tearfull announcement of the "dear" leader's death