Pyongyang, December 23 (KCNA) -- An increasing number of residents in Mangyongdae District, Pyongyang, have gathered in front of the Pyongyang Circus Theatre to mourn the demise of leader Kim Jong Il.

Looking up to a picture of the leader with a broad smile on his face, the mourners wail over his passing away.

Han Yong Gum, a 51-year-old woman living in Konguk-dong, Mangyongdae District, told KCNA:

"As an inhabitant of Mangyongdae, the native place of President Kim Il Sung, I feel remorseful for having failed to show great devotion to leader Kim Jong Il as requested by the President."

Ri Tong Sun, an officer of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces, said:

"Some days ago, leader Kim Jong Il gave field guidance to the Kwangbok Area Supermarket. The supermarket is seen over there. The news of his demise came to me as a bolt from the blue. I can hardly believe the news.

I will resolutely defend respected Comrade Kim Jong Un by changing this sorrow into a hundred and thousand fold strength and courage."