Kim, 69, died at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, according to state media.
A tearful broadcaster reported that Kim died due to "overwork" after "dedicating his life to the people."
Kim suffered "great mental and physical strain" while on a train during a "field guidance tour," North Korea's state-run KCNA news agency reported.
A look back at the life of Kim Jong Il
More specifically, the agency reported that Kim suffered a heart attack and couldn't be saved despite the use of "every possible first-aid measure."
He had been treated for "cardiac and cerebrovascular diseases for a long period," KCNA noted.
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His funeral will be held December 28 and the national mourning period extends until December 29, said the news agency.
North Korean and communist party officials "released a notice on Saturday informing" members of the Workers' Party of Korea, military "and all other people" of Kim's passing, according to KCNA.
South Korea's national security council convened after news broke about Kim's death and was still meeting as of 2 p.m. Monday, President Lee Myung-bak's office said.
The president canceled the rest of his Monday schedule, and all members of South Korea's military have been placed on "emergency alert," according to Lee's office.
Under the alert -- which is short of the highest possible level -- South Korean forces will monitor North Korean troop movements closely and tighten security measures at sea, according to the ministry of defense.
In addition, South Korea's National Police Agency has ordered police across the country to be on emergency work shifts.
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