Kim Jong Il has pancreatic cancer - South Korean TV from UK Guardian reports that "Dear Leader" of North Korea, who has allegedly designated his young son as his heir, is suffering from pancreatic cancer.
The South Korean broadcaster YTN made the announcement about the leader's health in an unsourced news flash this morning. Kim, 67, has ruled the reclusive communist country with absolute authority since his the death of his father, the founder of the state, Kim Il-sung, in 1994. His health is one of the most closely guarded secrets in North Korea.
Kim looked gaunt during a rare appearance last Wednesday, when the country marked the anniversary of his father's death. North Korean television showed Kim looking thin and frail.
He usually does not speak at public events; however he has had an active public profile in recent months since re-emerging after a suspected stroke last year. This raised questions about who will succeed him and who will control the country's military and weapons programmes. Some reports have said Kim has anointed his youngest son, Jong-un.
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