INTL Report: N Korean leader Kim's health worsens

Report: N Korean leader Kim's health worsens
(AP) – 2 hours ago

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is suffering from chronic laryngitis — probably because of excessive smoking and drinking — and he can't work without resting every other day, a news report said Wednesday.

The disease worsened last month, though the 67-year-old leader has recovered much from last year's reported stroke and a kidney disease, said the Seoul-based Open Radio for North Korea, a radio station specializing in North Korean news.

The station cited an unidentified "high-level source" in the North saying that Kim can't work without resting every other day because of the illness.

It said Kim's "excessive smoking and drinking" is believed to be the main reason for the worsened laryngitis.

South Korean officials could not confirm the report.

Kim's health is a focus of intense media attention because he rules absolutely and there could be a power struggle in the North if he were to die without naming a successor.

Once a reputed gourmand who enjoyed his cigars and fine wines, Kim was said to have dumped his former chain-smoking ways years ago. It's not clear whether Kim is smoking regularly again.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5h9tWbktaYm9FkL-g8QSBJae7GGmgD9CK8A400
 

Amazed

Does too have a life!
I don't know, RR. Sometimes it's better the devil you know, than the devil you don't know. :shr:
 

China Connection

TB Fanatic
#
BBC NEWS | Asia-Pacific | N Korea 'names Kim's successor'
2 Jun 2009 ... North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il has designated his youngest son to ... at helping Mr Kim solidify power so that he could name a successor. ...
news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/8078324.stm - Cached
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North Korean Leader Is Said to Pick a Son as Heir - NYTimes.com
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www.nytimes.com/2009/06/03/world/asia/03korea.html - Similar
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Kim Jong-il - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Surprise

Inactive
Obama has sent him a personal letter. That will surely brighten his day.
May even totally turn him around. You know ....those miracle things.;)
 

Dobbin

Faithful Steed
You mean he sent a letter to one of the STAND INS.

Kim probably died years ago.

Mebbe there's room here for a Lazarus act.

Joe
 
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