North Korea is marking the 70th birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il.

朝鲜正在举办已故领袖金正日诞辰70周年纪念。

Kim Jong-il, who died late last year, would have been 70 years old today
Despite the frigid¹（寒冷的） weather, people gathered early on Thursday morning at the main Kim Il-sung Plaza² in the capital, Pyongyang.

They left red "kimjongilia" begonias（秋海棠） and other flowers at his portrait.

Activities venerating³（尊敬） Mr Kim, who died of a heart attack in December 2011, have been stepped up in recent weeks.

North Korea said on Wednesday it has awarded him the highest title of Generalissimo, the same rank as that held by his father, the country's founding leader.

A 6-metre bronze statue of him was unveiled on Tuesday depicting⁴ him riding a horse next to his late father, Kim Il-sung, also on horseback.

A series of commemorative items and tributes have been released since his death. These include a giant slogan carved into a mountainside, postage stamps, medals and gold and silver coins bearing his image.

Emotional tributes were delivered by an announcer on state television on Thursday, which also aired footage portraying⁵ the late leader as caring for the people, said an AFP report.

"There are no other leaders in the world like the General," an elderly woman was shown saying on state television.

'Kim dynasty'

New songs praising Mr Kim have been composed for the occasion. Concerts and events were held for the celebrations, including a skating show and synchronised swimming programme on Wednesday.

However the festivities were also widely seen as an opportunity to celebrate the leadership of his son, Kim Jong-un.

Both the skating and synchronised swimming shows opened with mourning the late Mr Kim, but closed with a new song for his son, said an Associated Press report from Pyongyang.