The death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il reverberated within Los Angeles’ Korean population on Monday, as some expressed concern about how his death will affect North and South Korea and the rest of the world. Jong-il reportedly died of a heart attack on Dec. 17.

Yeon-sung Shin, the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, said he will be watching the situation in North Korea closely now that Kim Jong-il has died. (photo by Aaron Blevins)

Yeon-sung Shin, the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, was hosting a luncheon at his home on Monday for Community Emergency Response Teams and various police and fire departments in Los Angeles County. He spoke briefly about Jong-il’s death.

“Everyone is watching very closely to see how [the situation] will unfold,” Shin said.

The Obama administration had previously released a statement regarding Jong-il’s death, saying that it is closely monitoring the reports of his death.

“The president has been notified, and we are in close touch with our allies in South Korea and Japan,” the statement reads. “We remain committed to stability on the Korean peninsula, and to the freedom and security of our allies.”

Shin referenced that statement, but did not elaborate further.

“I’m not going to specify more details, but your cooperation in this regard is highly appreciated,” he said.

One source, speaking on condition of anonymity for fear of consequences from his employer, said the news of Jong-il’s death was “shocking.” He said he is most concerned that Jong-il’s passing will somehow result in war for South Korea, his homeland. However, it’s possible that the news could amount to no changes, the source said.

“But still, I cannot trust North Korea,” he said.

The source said Jong-il’s son, Kim Jong-un, seems too young to control North Korea. Therefore, political parties could clash for power in the months ahead, he said.

Reunification for North and South Korea will be difficult, the source said. He said the situation is not similar to that of East and West Germany, which reunified in 1990 following the fall of the Berlin Wall.

“We are totally different,” he said of North and South Koreans. “If they’re going to come together … it will be very difficult.”

The source said rumors are rampant regarding Jong-il’s death, including whether his cause of death was actually a homicide.

Yeon-sung Shin, the consulate general of the Republic of Korea in Los Angeles, said he will be watching the situation in North Korea closely now that Kim Jong-il has died. (photo by Aaron Blevins)