KCNA said that Kim Jong Il, who foreign media and intelligence reports have linked with an opulent lifestyle, “worked hard day and night, having uncomfortable sleep and taking rice-balls” while serving his nation.

“Seeing his dedication, in tears, the people would ask him to stop making any more journeys along snow-covered roads in cold weather and sitting up all night,” it said.

More than 100 poems had been written in Kim’s honor in the past two days, KCNA said, with titles like “Rise Up, People of Great General,” “Field Car Has Not Stopped” and “Soldiers Do Not Forget General.”