Pyongyang, December 19 (KCNA) -- Upon hearing the sad news that leader Kim Jong Il passed away, the whole country is seized with bitter grief and sorrow over the big loss.

His demise is the greatest loss to the Workers' Party of Korea and the Korean revolution at the historic period when a landmark phase is opened for building a thriving socialist nation.

The grief-stricken Korean people are, however, renewing their pledge to remain true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un by overcoming their sorrow and displaying fresh strength and courage.

Korean People's Army officer Kim Kyong Chol, 36, said:

"The news of the leader's demise was so shocking that I cannot keep back the bitter grief.

The undying revolutionary exploits Kim Jong Il performed by developing the KPA into a matchless army will always remain shining in the history of the country.

Thanks to Kim Jong Un, our revolutionary forces will always emerge victorious as the powerful revolutionary army of Mt. Paektu."

Pyongyangite Ri Un Chol, 43, said:

"We cannot keep back our tears, thinking of Kim Jong Il who made indefatigable efforts and worked heart and soul day and night for the building of a thriving nation and the improvement of the standard of people's living from the outset of the year to its closing days.

Kim Jong Il was, indeed, a peerlessly great man who breathed his last like a hero, totally dedicated to the people, making endless forced marches for field guidance for their happier life with iron will and superhuman energy.

His ideas and cause are sure to triumph under the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the great successor to the revolutionary cause of Juche.

Our army and people will struggle staunchly for an ultimate victory true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un."