Naturally enough, much of the speculation focuses on Kim's successor. With the paucity of information coming out of North Korea in recent years, not much is known about the alignment of power in the Pyongyang government. However, debate centers on Kim's three sons, with Jong-chol, 27, Kim's middle son, as the favorite, though the youngest, Jong-un, 25, is “...often cited as the most promising but is seen as unlikely to be picked in a society where the tradition of seniority is so strong," according to the Times Online. Kim's eldest son, Jong-nam, 37, is out of favor since he was apprehended trying to enter Japan with a forged passport. Kim's brother-in-law, Jang Song-taek, 62, an official in the ruling Korean Workers Party, who is considered to be the second most powerful (after Kim himself) player in the North Korean political scene, is also a likely successor.
With the “important announcement” scheduled for today, the world may soon see a significant shift in the balance of power in Asia, as well as the possibility of escalating tensions in the region.
Article comments
1 - moon
Oh?
2 - Ruvy
Have you seen any further developments on this? Clavos? Anybody?
The fate of the North Korean leader - or the succession struggle following his demise - is of real concern to any thinking resident of the Middle East, particularly Israel.
3 - moon
Ruvy,
I disagree. Everybody said the same thing in 2005 when the Saudi king died--and when there was a military coup in Mauritania while that leader was attending the funeral.
And it's just been business as usual.
4 - Dr Dreadful
I have to agree with Moon here, although probably not for the same reasons.
Because of what happened to the Soviet bloc, the West always gets hopeful of a similar collapse when rumors like this start to fly around regarding one or other of the world's few remaining totalitarian states.
We all hoped that Chinese communism would go the same way, but it's thriving - albeit not in a form that Mao would remotely recognize or approve of.
Things just aren't done the same way in Asia as they are in Europe, and the possible demise of North Korea's dictator doesn't necessarily herald any change in the way that country deals with itself or the world.
5 - moon
There you go, Doc, making assumptions again.
Please knock it off. You have no idea what my reasons are.
6 - Dr Dreadful
There you go, Moon, overreacting again.
Please knock it off. I said probably. It's what's known as a qualifier.
7 - Matt
Ehhh he is most likely dead or so ill that he cannot function as a leader. North Korean media released several photos supposedly showing Kim up and going, but they were so poorly doctored that South Koreans had a good laugh over it and intelligence agencies are trying not to say anything about the sensitive subject. The fact that NK is trying so hard to battle speculations over Kim's health just shows that he is actually not ok.