Pyongyang, December 27 (KCNA) -- Mourners' groups of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) laid a wreath before the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il at Kim Il Sung Square on Dec. 27.

They included the mourners' groups of officials of Chongryon, officials of new generation of Chongryon, the Korean Democratic Women's Union in Japan, educational workers of Chongryon and persons of literature and arts and sportspersons of Chongryon.

A wreath was placed in the joint name of the mourners' groups.

The members of the groups paid silent tribute to Kim Jong Il.