SEOUL, Nov. 8 (Yonhap) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, along with his heir-apparent son, Kim Jong-un, visited the funeral home of a top military official and expressed "bitter sorrow" over the death of a man that state media described Monday as the leader's "dearest revolutionary comrade-in-arms."

   Jo Myong-rok, first vice-chairman of the most powerful National Defense Commission, died Saturday of chronic heart disease at the age of 82. Jo was one of the most powerful political and military figures in the communist regime for decades.

   Jo was known for his landmark visit to the U.S. in October 2000, during which he met with then-President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Madeleine Albright as the Cold War foes sought reconciliation.

   On Monday, Pyongyang's official Korean Central News Agency reported that leader Kim visited the funeral home of Jo, along with his heir-apparent son, Kim Jong-un, and other members of the North's ruling elite.

   The leader "observed a moment's silence in memory of the deceased. And he looked round the bier with bitter sorrow over the loss of the dearest revolutionary comrade-in-arms and revolutionary comrade," the KCNA said. "Then, he met the bereaved families of the deceased and expressed profound condolences to them and warmly consoled them."

   Jo's death could pave the way for Kim's son to take the No. 2 spot in the communist regime. On Sunday, the North mentioned the son's name ahead of all other senior officials' names while announcing the forming of a state funeral committee for Jo.

   The announcement raised speculation that Kim Jong-un may now take Jo's spot in the politburo of the ruling Workers' Party and even join the National Defense Commission. In late September, North Korea made it widely known that leader Kim would bequeath power to the son by making the junior Kim a four-star general and giving him top party posts.

   The funeral service for Jo is scheduled for Wednesday.

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