World reacts to Kim Jong-il’s death

As North Korea mourns, reaction to Kim Jong-il’s death has been coming in from around the world.

US President Obama has spoken on the telephone to his counterpart in South Korea where the military is reportedly on alert. Lee Myung-bak has held emergency talks at home and called for calm, according to an official, asking residents to carry on with daily life.

In Seoul, company employee Oh Eun-mi, 30, expressed fears for the impact on the South’s market and economy. People were always concerned about Kim Jong-il’s death, she said, predicting a negative effect initially but a positive outcome in the long-term.

“I think there will be some kind of provocation from North Korea, to strengthen domestic unity,” said fellow Seoul worker Choi Hwa, 28. “But I am not worried about it. It will just be a strategy. And we do have the military power.”

From Chinese condolences to the US restating its commitment to stability on the Korean peninsula, Kim Jong-il’s death has had a truly global impact.

Copyright © 2012 euronews