President Lee Myung-bak called on South Koreans on Monday to remain calm and focus on their usual business without being shaken by the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, his office said.

The statement came after Lee held an emergency meeting of the National Security Council.

"The government will keep thorough preparedness while keeping a close watch over the situation in North Korea," the statement said.

"The government will also cooperate closely with the international community to maintain peace and safety on the Korean Peninsula."

Lee asked South Koreans "to concentrate on economic activity without being shaken" by the news, it said.