Upon receiving the report, the Korean people, including the servicepersons, harden their determination to hold Kim Jong Il in high esteem as their eternal leader.

An officer of the Korean People's Internal Security Forces, Choe Yong Guk, told KCNA:

"The report reflects the unanimous desire and ardent request of all people to eternally hold leader Kim Jong Il in high esteem.

I was terribly grieved to bid my last farewell to leader Kim Jong Il.

Seeing his pictures in newspapers and on TV, I have sorely missed him. Fortunately, I can visit the Kumsusan Memorial Palace anytime to pay high respects to the leader lying in state."

An officer, Han Yong Sim, said:

"The image of leader Kim Jong Il with a bright smile on his face gives me pleasure and strength.

I am very pleased to hear that he will be laid in state at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace, the sacred temple of Juche."