North Korea on Wednesday (15/2) confers the highest title to the late Kim Jong Il on the night of his birth. This is  a new move to consolidate power and strengthen the position of his son, Kim Jong Un.

Kim Jong Il's coronation as the "Great General" was announced a day after the inauguration of Kim Jong Il's statue riding a horse alongside his late father who was also the founder of North Korea, Kim Il Sung, in Pyongyang.

On the same day, 23 senior military officers also received promotion on the orders of Kim Jong Un, who was appointed as supreme commander of the armed forces of North Korea that has 1.2 million personnel.

In addition, as many as 132 people awarded the new medal, Kim Jong Il's Service Medal, for their services to build "a thriving socialist nation" and increasing the state defense capabilities.

Various attempts were made to cult Kim's dynasty and a sign that Kim Jong Un has solid power. The appointment of Kim Jong Un as Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces of North Korea, the promotion for 23 senior officers and the bestowal of medals for the 132 people who have shown their dedication to the state, is a reflection to strengthen the power of Kim Jong Un as well as protect the interests of the country's elites.

Pyongyang also announced the promotion of Kim Jong Gak, who is seen as one of the key figures to help Kim Jong Un, who is considered lack of experience, to strengthen its position in the armed forces. Jong Gak is one of seven high officials who accompanied Jong Un walking beside the hearse at the funeral of Kim Jong Il last December 28, 2011.

A political analyst evaluates that the promotion of Kim Jong Gak  clearly indicate that the party is trying to strengthen its control over the military which has become too powerful under the Songun policy or make the military as the pillars of the revolution.

The title "Great General" for Kim Jong Il is also similar to that given to his father, Kim Il Sung in 1992. Kim Il Sung died of a heart attack in 1994.

North Korean news agency praised Kim Jong Il who has made the country a "nuclear state" which can produce and launch satellites. But the report did not mention the nuclear achievement.

The English-language media also praised the country's leader who died of a heart attack on December 17, 2011 who has made North Korea a military state thanks to the Songun policy (military first) and led the "resistance to imperialism and the U.S. toward victory". North Korea declared the birthday of Kim Jong Il on February 16 as "The Shining Stars Day". The declaration was accompanied by the issuance of stamps and coins.

As the policy of his father, Kim Jong Un will likely continue to pursue the military officials to secure its position as the new leader of North Korea.