N Korea unveils huge carving for late Kim

2012-02-09 09:04

The carving of "Peerless Patriot General Kim Jong Il on Mount Sokda in Jungsan County, South Phyongan Province to mark the upcoming Kim's 70th birth anniversary. (KCNA, AFP)

Seoul - North Korea has unveiled a massive carving 120m wide across a natural rockface to mark next week's birthday of late leader Kim Jong-Il, according to state media.

The inscription "Peerless Patriot General Kim Jong-Il. February 16, Juche 101 (2012)" was carved on Mount Sokda in the southwestern province of South Pyongan, the official news agency said late on Wednesday.

The total length is 120m and Kim's name is 10m high, 5.5m wide and 1.4m deep, it said.

"Officials and working people in South Pyongan province chose the rock that is easily visible, reflecting the ardent desire of the people around the country to exalt his immortal revolutionary feats forever," it added.

Senior ruling communist party officials, party members and working people took part in an unveiling ceremony on Wednesday.

Kim died of a heart attack on December 17 and was succeeded by his youngest son Jong-Un, the country's second dynastic succession since its founding in 1948.

North Korea, whose personality cult surrounding the Kims is like a state religion, has carved messages praising the dynasty on hundreds of rocks and cliffsides.

- SAPA