Many countries, organizations, and individuals issued reactions to the death of Kim Jong Il in December 2011. According to CNN, reactions were "somewhat muted" in comparison to deaths of other world leaders. Just a few countries reacted immediately after Kim's death was announced on North Korea's KCTV. Some countries, like the United States, took the opportunity to comment on their relationship with South Korea.[1] South Korea decided not to offer official condolences, mirroring both worsened relations after the ROKS Cheonan sinking and the bombardment of Yeonpyeong and its position after the death of Kim Il Sung in 1994.[2] Chinese Foreign Ministry called Kim a "great leader" and added that Beijing would continue to offer its support. Japan expressed condolences and said it hoped Kim's death would not affect the region adversely. Reactions in Europe were "a mix of hope and watchfulness".[3] In North Korea, the official reaction was grief and support for the succession of Kim Jong Un.[4]
- ^ "World reacts to Kim Jong Il's death". CNN. 20 December 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ Snyder, Scott A. (19 December 2011). "Kim Jong-il in Death as in Life: Sowing Divisions in South Korea". Council on Foreign Relations. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ Bryant, Lisa (18 December 2011). "Europe Cautious in Reaction to Kim Jong-Il's Death". Voice of America. Retrieved 13 September 2020.
- ^ McCurry, Justin (19 December 2011). "North Koreans' reaction to Kim Jong-il's death is impossible to gauge". the Guardian. Retrieved 13 September 2020.