North Korean leader Kim Jong-il died Saturday on a train trip, a tearful state television announcer, dressed in black, reported Monday.

The announcer said that the 69-year old had died of physical and mental over-work on his way to give "field guidance."

He had suffered a stroke in 2008, but appeared to have recovered.

The reclusive state had begun the process of transferring power to his son Kim Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s.