Kim Jong-il crazy facts

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North Korea on Monday hailed Kim Jong-Il's young son as a 'great successor' at the helm of the isolated country after the leader who built an atomic arsenal and presided over a devastating famine died.

On state television a tearful announcer delivered the news of Kim's demise at 69 from a heart attack, and the station aired footage of hysterical North Koreans, young and old alike, pounding the ground in displays of abject grief.

Pyongyang urged service personnel and citizens to rally behind Kim's youngest son Jong-Un, who is in his late 20s and was last year made a four-star general and given top ruling party posts despite having had no public profile.

And now, science, journalism and common-sense take the back seat.

For years, North Koreans were fed an 'unhealthy' diet of legend about their 'Great Leader'. Following are a few - compiled from several sources.

1: Kim Jong-iL does not need to use the toilet

There was a time when North Korean school text books and even a website claimed Kim never had the need to pass urine or defecate.

2: A magical birth

North Korean literature even claimed the dictator experienced a magical birth involving a rare double rainbow and a swallow for a halo.

3: The world's best golfer

Get this. North Korean were told their leader was one of the world's most foremost golfers. North Korean media once said Kim score '38 under par on a 18-hole course, AND 11 HOLES IN ONE.

4: Removal of disabled

During a nation-wide event in 1989, Kim ordered the removal of all diasbled people from the venue and even once wanted all 'short people' sent off to 'uninhabited islands in an attempt to end substandard genes'.

5: A model city to make the South jealous

Across the DMZ - the demilitarised zone - lies the infamous Kijŏng-dong or Peace Village - right! Bing money was spent by the North to make the city flawless and South Koreas salivate.

However, a closer binocular inspection from the South revealed the buildings were just 'empty shell' with no interior rooms and yes, NO RESIDENTS. Kijŏng-dong is a smokescreen, a mirage built to keep North Koreas dreaming and the world laughing. it also has the world's largest flagpole.

6: Fear of flying

Kim Jong-Il had a fear of flying and instead preferred to travel via armoured train. He reportedly had lobster and lavish meals flown to him at stations ahead.

7: He ate some 'special' rice

Kim was also crazy with his rice. Reports claim the 'Great leader' wanted his grains of rice similar in length and shape.

8: Weather control based on mood

Kim reportedly spread the myth across North Korea that he could control the weather with his moods.

There have been reports that he would refuse to consume anything not produced in North Korea - although he made an exception of French wine as reflected in the 10,000 strong collection of bottles in his cellar.