North Koreans took part in a massive rally in the capital, Pyongyang, Tuesday to show support for their country's policies and new leader Pumping their fists and chanting, tens of thousands of people beat drums and carried placards and large national flags as they paraded across Kim Il-sung Square. North Korean officials called on people to rally behind the young Kim and protect him as "human shields," while working to solve such pressing problems as food shortages by upholding the policies of late leader Kim Jong-il.
State media broadcast video showing party leaders on a balcony overlooking the multitude of people gathered on the square. It was not clear whether Kim Jong-un was at the rally.
The rally coincided with the traditional publication on New Year's Day of policy-setting editorials in North's three main newspapers. State television also broadcast Tuesday a video of
The campaign to install the third-generation Kim as leader has hastened since his father, Kim Jong- il, died more than two weeks ago.
North Korea's neighbors and the United States are keeping close watch on the younger Kim's rise amid uncertainty about how the reclusive country will manage a change of leadership during a time of sensitive negotiations over Pyongyang's nuclear program.