I was shocked to read a short while ago that the leader of North Korea, Kim Jong-Il has died. He was 69 years old and supposedly had some medical issues like diabetes and heart disease.
He took over power from his father 17 years ago and in September 2010 announced his third son Kim Jong-Un as his successor.

Here is a link to the story from the AP:
North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il, 69, has died