Fireworks fill the night sky in North Korea, as celebrations marking the birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il begin.
On February 16, the "dear leader" would have turned 70.
He died of a heart attack on December 17 after leading the reclusive state for 17 years.
His birthday has now been declared a national holiday - the Day of the Shining Star.
Video footage released by state media shows a mountain with a carving of Kim Jong-il's name alongside the title "unequalled patriot".
The occasion also saw the unveiling of a statue in his likeness.
Kim's son, Kim Jong-un, who is believed to be in his late twenties, was named the "Great Successor" after his father's death.
He was officially appointed the head of North Korea's 1.2 million strong military on December 30, two days after the end of official mourning for his father.
Travis Brecher, Reuters
