The leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong-il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer, the Republic of Korea (ROK) broadcaster YTN said on July 13, citing information gathered from Chinese and South Korean intelligence sources.
The report fueled speculation about Kim's health while raising questions about the future of the DPRK and who will make decisions about its nuclear programs.
In this Wednesday July 8, 2009 image made off KRT footage distributed by APTN, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center, arrives at the 15th anniversary of the death of Kim Il-sung, his father and founder of the country, in Pyongyang.
It also comes after a gaunt Kim, who was suspected of suffering a stroke a year ago, made a rare public appearance last Wednesday at a memorial for his father and state founder Kim Il-sung. The stark figure he cast heightened speculation the 67-year-old leader was still ill.
