Just breaking on wires, we’ve been watching it on Korean Satellite for the last hour. South Korean military on alert. His son Kim Jong Un will succeed him.

“SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Kim Jong Il, North Korea’s mercurial and enigmatic leader, has died. He was 69.

Kim’s death was announced Monday by state television from the North Korean capital, Pyongyang.

Kim is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008 but appeared relatively vigorous in photos and video from recent trips to China and Russia and in numerous trips around the country carefully documented by state media.

The leader, reputed to have had a taste for cigars, cognac and gourmet cuisine, was believed to have had diabetes and heart disease.

The news came as North Korea prepared for a hereditary succession. Kim Jong Il inherited power after his father, revered North Korean founder Kim Il Sung, died in 1994.

More to come.

UPDATE: Analysis on this. Since I was stationed in Korea 2ndID from 1977-1982, I’ve been following this for the last few days when Kim Jong il fell ill two days ago according to Korean news sources. The NK state-run media is saying that Jong il died of physical and mental over-work.

Nevertheless, the next 48 hours are critical. While his son is now the heir apparent, stories of instability within his own ranks specifically the military leadership.

Kim Jong Un is unproven and young and the old guard may resist his installment as leader.