Kim Jong Il’s son was identified today as head of a top decision-making body of the ruling Workers’ Party, a post that now gives him authority over political as well as military matters in North Korea.

North Korea vowed today to uphold Kim Jong Il’s son as “supreme commander” as the campaign to install the young man as the next leader of the socialist nation gained pace one week after his father’s death.

Tens of thousands of mourners packed Pyongyang’s main square today to pay respects to former leader Kim Jong Il.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il and his son, heir apparent Kim Jong Un, appeared together a massive military parade today held amid celebrations marking the foundation of the country's ruling party.

Tens of thousands of North Koreans rallied in their capital to condemn the United States and South Korea on the 60th anniversary of the start of the Korean War, while Seoul told Pyongyang to admit responsibility for a deadly warship sinking.

North Korea marked the 60th anniversary of its founding today amid international doubts over its commitment to de-nuclearisation, speculation about the health of its leader and a worsening food crisis.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il reviewed a massive military parade through Pyongyang today marking the anniversary of the country’s army.