North Korea named on Wednesday Kim Jong-un as first secretary of the Workers' Party, a newly-created position that would seem to give him the authority to rule the isolated East Asian country.
Kim Jong-Un’s father, Kim Jong-il who died on December 17, 2011, was named "eternal" general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party at the national conference in Pyongyang, KCNA also said.
The appointment of Kim Jong-un comes as North Korea prepares for the nationwide celebrations of the 100th anniversary of the country's founder, Kim Il-sung.
North Korea has said it is preparing to launch a rocket to put a weather satellite into orbit to mark the anniversary. It also says the launch is in compliance with the Space Treaty, which guarantees every state the right to carry out space programs.
But the international community suspects the rocket is part of a ballistic missile program.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said on Tuesday that any launch by North Korea would be a “serious, clear violation” of the UN Security Council resolutions.
South Korea and Japan have said they will shoot down the rocket if it threatens their territory.
