It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Kim Jong-il on December 17, 2011 at the age of 70. Kim Jong-il was the leader and General Secretary of the Worker's Party of Korea from 1997 until his death. He was also the Supreme Leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea from 1994 until his death. He is remembered for his uncompromising support of the values of socialism and communism, and his unwavering commitment to the well-being of the citizens of North Korea. He will be deeply missed by his immediate family members, his political followers, and the citizens of North Korea whose lives he touched during his lifetime.