TOKYO, December 24 (RIA Novosti) - North Korea announced on Monday that it would set up an international award to honor its late leader Kim Jong-il.
The state-run KCNA said the award will be given to politicians, scholars and public leaders who have “made a significant contribution in their country’s struggle for independence.”
The awards ceremony will be held on February 16th, marking the late leader’s birthday. The date is a public holiday in North Korea, known as the Day of the Shining Star.
This move marks the 21st anniversary of Kim’s inauguration as Supreme Commander of the Korean People's Army.
On December 17, 2011, it was announced that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il had died of a heart attack during his trip across the country. His son and successor Kim Jong-Un was just 29 years old when he came to power.
