by Joseph Yun Li-sun

North Korean sources say that last night’s great fireworks, which concluded the ‘day of the Sun’, were organised by Kim Jong-un, Kim Jong-il’s third son. The father also promoted one hundred officers to ensure the military’s loyalty.

Pyongyang (AsiaNews) – Kim Jong-il’s successor was officially designated last night. The event had been expected yesterday during the day. The grand fireworks display that concluded the celebrations of Kim Il-sung’s birthday, known as the “Day of the Sun”, was attributed to Kim Jong-un, the third son of the Kim Jong-il, North Korea’s ‘dear leader’. The youngest Kim is expected to become eventually North Korea’s next dictator. Organising fireworks was one of the task Kim Jong-il, Kim Il-sung’s son and successor, took on before he became president.

Local sources said that North Korean media described the heir, dubbed the ‘smart leader’, as the “youth captain” who “showcased his outstanding ability by organising the entire process (the fireworks) with a set of programmes and songs.” In Korea, “it is tradition for the head of the household to organise the festivities.” This means that the youngest Kim “has been invested with the succession.”

Kim Ki-nam, secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (North Korea’s Communist party), added his voice, saying, “We are lucky to have a dynasty of great leaders who serve the country and lead it to the great revolution.”

A publication titled “Instruction Materials on Kim Jong-un’s Greatness” was recently sent to North Korean media. It lays down guidelines on how to address the young heir, highlighting his areas of expertise, which include “organising festivities, fireworks and official choirs for the regime.”

The manual was also distributed to the country’s top brass. In it, Kim Jong-il is quoted as praising the ‘Youth Captain (Kim Jong-un) for his beautiful fireworks and ability in organising the ‘Day of the Sun’, said a source (anonymous for security reason) from Hamgyeongbuk province. “According to the ‘dear leader’, the young man stayed up several nights to prepare the display; this is a sign of his great devotion to the country. And we were told about it.”

Whatever the case may be, the heir must become party secretary to finalise North Korea’s succession process.

In a sign of great benevolence, Kim Jong-il yesterday issued a decree promoting one hundred military leaders. He has thus filled the ranks of the military leadership with officers loyal to his son, Kim Jong-un.

North Korea’s military account for 50 per cent of the country’s GDP.