New North Korean leader following in his father's goose steps

Goose-stepping soldiers marched by the memorial palace for North Korea's late leaders as Kim Jong-un yesterday presided over a military birthday commemoration for his father.

Kim Jong-il died of a heart attack in December and North Koreans marked what would have been his 70th birthday by showing support for his young son and successor.

Across Pyongyang, they bowed before Kim Jong-il's portrait and placed blossoms in his honour on the holiday now called "Day of the Shining Star".