South Koreans were hopeful, shocked and worried, but most of all, skeptical about the news of the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il on Monday that came like a bolt of lightning.
Life went on as usual on the streets of Seoul, but, within, citizens were quietly pondering the truth of the news and its implications both good and bad.
North Korea’s state media Korean Central News Agency announced that Kim Jong-il, 69, had died of a heart attack while riding a train within the country on Saturday.
“I do have a little bit of doubt over whether or not there is truth in the announcement, especially regarding the part about him just suddenly dying on the train,” said a 21-year-old university student.
“It’s so shocking,” said 45-year-old Han, who laughed in disbelief when first told the news.
Kwak, standing next to Han, simply laughed with a dazed look, adding, “it is really quite shocking. I don’t really know what to say.”
But stepping past the disbelief and initial shock, some Seoulites were hopeful that something good may sprout from the dictator’s death.
“Since the leader has died, the political system is probably unstable, but I hope that it leans toward the direction of peaceful unification, that is quiet and holds fruitful results,” said Han.
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Citizens watch television news on North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s death at Seoul Station, Monday. (Lee Sang-sub/The Korea Herald) |
Foreigners, too, were positive over the news of Kim’s death, who took over after his father Kim Il-sung had passed away in 1994.
“I hope it will be good for the development between the North and South Korea,” said Harry Van Woerden, a diplomatic official at the Dutch Embassy in Seoul.
“I expect that conditions will be better for the reunification between South and North Korea,” said the 61-year-old diplomat, adding that he felt most fellow colleagues would feel the same way.
Michal Venera, who was visiting from the U.S. with his family, was ecstatic over the news.
“I think that is wonderful news,” said Venera, 51, while his young son cheered alongside him, adding that the world seems to be going in a better direction, referring to the recent uprisings against strong-arm governments.
But hopes were also met with worries on the streets.
“Kim Jong-un (expected to be the next leader) is not ready to take over and I wonder if there will be a civil war in the North which worries me because it might affect us,” said Youn, 19, a university student.
Many were worried about the image that the deceased leader’s third son portrays.
“I think the situation will become more dangerous, because Kim Jong-un’s image is that of a tyrant, dogmatic and self-righteous from what I’ve heard,” said 24-year-old Jang Seo-u, adding that her friends shared their concerns.
But despite all these reactions, the metropolitan lifestyle in the capital had citizens hardly skipping a beat.
By Robert Lee (
robert@heraldcorp.com)
