Pyongyang, December 28 (KCNA) -- Korean residents in China on a visit to the motherland expressed deep condolences before the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il and at the mourning stations.

Ri Hwa Son left a wreath before the portrait of smiling Kim Jong Il in Manpho City and said as follows in tears:

His unexpected demise was such a great shock to me that the sky and the earth seemed to collapse.

It was unbelievable to me, indeed.

I will overcome this sorrow and work harder for the prosperity of the country.

Choe Kil Ryong said that he was so excited whenever he watched Kim Jong Il on TV giving tireless field guidance to the units of the Korean People's Army, factories and farms.

I would strive to build a thriving nation true to the behest of General Secretary Kim Jong Il, Choe added.

Kim Jong Ok said:

Kim Jong Il's passing was sadder than the news that the sun stopped shining.

Although he passed away, he would be alive in the hearts of the Koreans in China.

Li Pyong Ryol visited Kim Jong Il's smiling portrait in Kanggye City to express condolences and said:

All the Koreans writhed in grief at the loss of a peerlessly great man.

I keenly felt the ties of kinship between the leader and its people.

He will be remembered as the great father of the nation.