North Korea picture reveals Kim Jong-il heir
North Korea releases a photograph of Kim Jong-il and his son, confirming the rise of the Kim Jong-un as potential dynastic successor after his appointment of general earlier this week.
A photograph of a young man seated near North Korea’s Dear Leader was released by the country’s state TV after a rare political meeting earlier this week.
Kim Jong-il’s youngest son, Kim Jong-un, whose existence has been a well-guarded secret, was appointed general during the North Korea’s biggest political meeting for 30 years.
Three group photos were released of dozens of military and civilian officials and showed a young man in a prominent position to the left of the Dear Leader. The only pervious photos of Jong-un date back to his childhood.
The photo is the first picture of Jong-un since his appointment in one of the world’s largest armies on Tuesday. He is tipped to take over the family dynasty that has ruled North Korea since its founding after World War Two. Little is known about the 20-something third son of Kim Jong-il other than his education in Switzerland.
Although he was not officially identified, the young man was the only person in the photograph around Jong-un’s age. A unification ministry source in Seoul said the man was most likely Kim Jong-un.
Kim Jong-il’s sister and her husband were also given promotions, creating a powerful triumvirate ready to take over the family dynasty.
Kim Jong-il, 68, is believed to have suffered a stroke in 2008 although it was difficult to assess his health from the latest photo. North Korea’s paramount leader has shown no sign of losing his grip on power and was reappointed on Tuesday as secretary-general of the Workers’ Party
