WASHINGTON (Yonhap) -- Mitt Romney, a top Republican presidential candidate, on Monday emphasized the importance of American leadership in changing the course of North Korean policy after the sudden death of its leader.
"Kim Jong-il was a ruthless tyrant who lived a life of luxury while the North Korean people starved. He recklessly pursued nuclear weapons, sold nuclear and missile technology to other rogue regimes, and committed acts of military aggression against our ally South Korea," the former Massachusetts governor said in a statement. "He will not be missed."
He added Kim's death represents an "opportunity for America to work with our friends to turn North Korea off the treacherous course it is on and ensure security in the region.
"America must show leadership at this time. The North Korean people are suffering through a long and brutal national nightmare. I hope the death of Kim Jong-il hastens its end," Romney said.
Another Republican presidential aspirant, Jon Huntsman, characterized Kim as a "conscienceless tyrant."
"His death closes a tragic chapter for the people of North Korea and offers them the best opportunity to get on a path towards a more free and open society and political reform," said Huntsman, who served as Washington's ambassador to Beijing.
He said the U.S. must work with other nations to "use all available pressure points to prevent rogue activities and proliferation" from North Korea.