Pyongyang, December 20 (KCNA) -- The Korean people are in bitter grief and sorrow over the sad news of the sudden demise of leader Kim Jong Il on Dec. 17, Juche 100 (2011).

The workers and other people of South Phyongan Province courageously rose above it and are renewing their firm determination to remain intensely loyal to General Kim Jong Un, true to the behests of Kim Jong Il.

Hwang Hyok Chol, 41, worker of the Pongchon Coal Mine, told a reporter:

"I can't keep back bitter grief over the biggest loss to the nation as I could watch on television the august image of Kim Jong Il providing field guidance only shortly ago.

"He was a peerlessly great man who dedicated himself to the people's happiness, making endless journeys for field guidance without having a holiday or rest and considering it as his pleasure to do something to make them happy.

"As long as we are under General Kim Jong Un identical to Kim Jong Il, the revolutionary cause of Juche will be given steady continuity and the Songun revolutionary cause is sure to triumph."

Rim Hyang, 22, woman farmer at the Maejon Co-op Farm, said: "Only when we remain true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un, the revolutionary cause of Juche and the Songun revolutionary cause is sure to be accomplished."

She vowed to demonstrate the mettle of Songun Korea in the efforts to build a thriving nation as desired by Kim Jong Il, holding high the torch lit in South Hamgyong Province.