Pyongyang, December 29 (KCNA) -- Officials of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) on a visit to the socialist homeland for mourning the demise of leader Kim Jong Il expressed their feelings in bitter grief.

Hwang Myong, chairman of the Tokyo Metropolitan Headquarters of Chongryon, said: Is it true Kim Jong Il, our father, passed away? He can't pass away. Generalissimo Kim Il Sung earnestly asked us to take good care of Kim Jong Il. Now how can we ask for atoning for this wrong. We are undutiful.

Kwon Kyong Ae, vice-chairwoman of the Central Standing Committee of the Korean Democratic Women's Union in Japan, said:

One can hardly find such great man as General Kim Jong Il anywhere else. We will make the exploits of Kim Jong Il shine forever.

We will faithfully uphold the leadership of the dear respected Kim Jong Un true to the noble intention of Kim Jong Il.

Pak Jong Sang, permanent advisor to the Union of Korean Writers and Artists in Japan, said he has never thought of the homeland without Kim Jong Il. The Chongryon officials and other Koreans in Japan will always remember his love, he added.

Ha Thae Hong, director of the Hagu Bookshop of Chongryon, noted: All of us could lead a dignified life, our chests thrown out even in an alien land thanks to Kim Jong Il.

Ri Jun Sik, head of the visiting group of students of Joson University of Chongryon, said, when interviewed by KCNA:

We have the dear respected Comrade Kim Jong Un, another General. We will steadfastly carry forward the patriotic tradition, true to the leadership of Kim Jong Un.