SEOUL, Jan. 18 (Yonhap) -- Kim Jong-il, the late North Korean leader, told officials two months before his sudden death in December to respect and follow his youngest son and heir apparent Kim Jong-un, the North's state media reported Wednesday.

Kim told officials on Oct. 8 they need to follow Kim Jong-un and rally around the Workers' Party as he talked of his son's greatness, the North's main Rodong Sinmun newspaper reported.

The new leader, believed to be in his late 20s, became the supreme commander of North Korea's armed forces late last month as he consolidates the power he inherited upon his father's death on Dec. 17.

Kim assumed "supreme commandership" of the country' military "at the behest of leader Kim Jong-il on Oct. 8," according to the North's state media.

The late Kim also heaped praise on his son in November "years ago," the paper reported without giving a specific year, claiming the younger Kim is a man of versatile talents who is well-versed in military affairs and has leadership ability.

Publication of the late Kim's comments about his son appears to be the latest attempt by the North to stabilize the country and help the new young leader tighten his grip on power