North Korea has began operating its new leadership centering on Kim Jong-un, the third son of the late Kim Jong-il.

On Tuesday, Kim, who is vice chairman of the ruling Workers' Party's Central Military Commission, paid his respects at the Gumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang where his late father Kim Jong-il is lying in state. He was accompanied by government, military and top party officials including parliamentary chairman Kim Yong-nam and Prime Minister Choi Young-rim.

The state-run Korean Central Television reported Kim Jong-un's visit to the palace, which was his first publicized solo event since his father's death.

In the footage released by the state-run broadcaster, Kim is seen tearing up before his father's body.