Kim Jr joins dad, gets highest Nth Korea title

North Korea says it has awarded its highest title to late leader Kim Jong Il on the eve of his 70th birthday, giving him the same rank as his father and founding leader Kim Il Sung.

The announcement came a day after a rare statue of Kim Jong Il was unveiled in Pyongyang, part of a series of attempts to burnish the reputation of the former strongman as his young son consolidates power.

"The title of Generalissimo of the DPRK (North Korea) was awarded to leader Kim Jong Il," the official news agency said. In 1992 Kim Il Sung was made Generalissimo as his son Jong Il became Marshal. Jong Il's youngest son, Jong Un, has taken over the leadership.

Statues of the two late Kims riding horses together were unveiled in central Pyongyang.