PYONGYANG - The title of "Hero of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK)" was awarded to late leader Kim Jong-il, the official KCNA announced Friday, citing a decree by the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly on December 19.

Kim Jong-il, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK), chairman of the National Defense Commission of the DPRK and supreme commander of the Korean People's Army, "performed undying revolutionary feats for the country and its people, the times and history," said the decree.

"He developed in depth the Juche idea, the Songun idea founded by President Kim Il Sung," and developed the WPK, army and state "shining with his immortal name and placed the country's dignity and power onto the highest level," said the KCNA, citing the decree.

True to the president's last instructions for national reunification, the decree said that Kim Jong-il led all his countryfellows on the road of independence and great national unity and ushered in the June 15 era of reunification.

He contributed greatly to "achieving the victory of the socialist cause, world peace and stability, friendship and solidarity among peoples under the uplifted banner of independence against imperialism."

After having devoted all his efforts to building a thriving nation and improving the people's living standard, Kim Jong-il died from "great mental and physical strain" on a train during a field guidance tour on December 17, thus earning the title of "DPRK Hero" according to the wish of all DPRK citizens, the KCNA article said.

The DPRK held a state funeral for the leader Wednesday followed by a grand national memorial service Thursday.