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NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL ANNIVERSARY

People of Pyongyang visit the statues of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill on the occasion of 82nd birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Cha Song Ho)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL ANNIVERSARY

People of Pyongyang visit the statues of former North Korean leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il on Mansu Hill on the occasion of 82nd birth anniversary of Kim Jong Il in Pyongyang, North Korea, Thursday, Feb. 16, 2024. (AP Photo/Cha Song Ho)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa03383671 An undated picture provided by the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 05 September shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (2-L), along with his wife Ri Sol-ju (L), talking with family members during a visit to households in a newly built apartment on Changjon Street in Pyongyang. His wife Ri Sol-ju (3-L) was on hand. EPA/KCNA SOUTH KOREA OUT NO SALES

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa03383670 An undated picture provided by the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 05 September shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (L) holding a boy talks with family members during a visit to households in a newly built apartment on Changjon Street in Pyongyang. His wife Ri Sol-ju (3-L) was on hand. EPA/KCNA SOUTH KOREA OUT NO SALES

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa03383669 An undated picture provided by the (North) Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 05 September shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (2-R), along with his wife Ri Sol-ju (R), talking with family members during a visit to households in a newly built apartment on Changjon Street in Pyongyang. His wife Ri Sol-ju (3-L) was on hand. EPA/KCNA SOUTH KOREA OUT NO SALES

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this photo provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, generals and officers attend the memorial service to mark the 100th day since the death of Kim Jong Il, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang Sunday, March 25, 2012. North Korea urged its people to rally behind new leader Kim Jong Un as tens of thousands gathered Sunday in a central square to observe the end of a 100-day mourning period following the death of Kim Jong Il. (AP Photo/Xinhua, Zhang Li) NO SALES

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this photo provided by China's Xinhua News Agency, people attend the memorial service to mark the 100th day since the death of Kim Jong Il, at Kim Il Sung Square in Pyongyang Sunday, March 25, 2012. North Korea urged its people to rally behind new leader Kim Jong Un as tens of thousands gathered Sunday in a central square to observe the end of a 100-day mourning period following the death of Kim Jong Il. (AP Photo/Xinhua, Zhang Li) NO SALES

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL THE FUNERAL

In this undated photo released by the Korean Central News Agency and distributed in Tokyo, Dec. 29, 2011 by the Korea News Service, Kim Jong Il, son of North Korean President Kim Il Sung, leads a meeting at unknown place. North Korea on Wednesday, Dec. 28, 2011 held a funeral for their late leader Kim Jong Il, who, according to state media, died of a heart attack on Dec. 17, 2011 at age 69. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT UNTIL 14 DAYS AFTER THE DAY OF TRANSMISSION

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL COMMEMORATION

epa03045846 A still grab from a broadcast of the (North) Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station taken on 31 December in Seoul, South Korea, shows front and backsides of gold coins which Pyongyang plans to issue to mark the 20th anniversary of late leader Kim Jong-il's ascension to the supreme commander of North Korea's armed forces. The announcement came minutes after Kim's successor son, Jong-un, took over the supreme commandership in a strong sign that the young son, believed to be in his late 20s, is rapidly solidifying power. The gold coins will be minted 35 millimeters in diameter and 2mm thick, the Yonhap news agency reported on 31 December 2011. EPA/YONHAP SOUTH KOREA OUT EDITORIAL USE ONLY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL THE MILITARY CARD

FILE - In this Oct. 10, 2010 file photo, North Korean soldiers salute on tanks during a massive military parade marking the 65th anniversary of the communist nation's ruling Workers' Party in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Korea's newly minted leader Kim Jong Un presents the U.S. and its allies with an even more unknown character than his recently deceased father Kim Jong Il, and the strategic challenge of dealing with an inexperienced twenty-something who sits on a nuclear arms program, a stash of chemical weapons and the world's fourth-largest army. (AP Photo/Vincent Yu, File)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL THE INNER CIRCLE

FILE - In this March 28, 2006 file photo, Jang Song Thaek, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's brother-in-law and first vice director of the Workers' Party of Korea, leaves Beijing international airport for home. Jang, the husband of the late leader's younger sister Kim Kyong Hui, is a Soviet-trained technocrat who was a rising star until a demotion in early 2004 seen as a warning from his brother-in-law against cultivating too much influence. Kim Jong Il brought him back into the fold in 2006, and he has been gaining influence since then. (AP photo/Kyodo News, File) JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, NO LICENSING IN CHINA, FRANCE, HONG KONG, JAPAN AND SOUTH KOREA

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa03035273 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (C) poses with officials of the Hana Music Information Center during a visit to the music center in Pyongyang, North Korea. The center is a 50-50 joint venture between a North Korean company and a European firm, and has a multi-channel music room and facilities to record DVDs. The North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released the photo on 15 December 2011, without elaborating on when it was taken. EPA/KCNA SOUTH KOREA OUT

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa03003804 A photo released by the North Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 15 November 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (2-L) inspecting a fish farm belonging to the North Korean People's Army's No. 580 unit, North Korea. The (North) Korean Central News Agency made the report on 12 November 2011 but did not elaborate on when the photo was taken. EPA/KCNA / YONHAP

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 28, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il has a press conference with members of Moiseyev National Folk Dance Academy from Russia who visited North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 6, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il visits a mine in South Hamgyong, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 2, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il visits a mine in South Hamgyong, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this April 23, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il is shown with talents from the song and dance troupe of China PLA General Political Department, who visited North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il visits the Anju Poultry Plant in South Pyongyang, North Korea, built by the (North) Korea People's Army soldiers. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 3, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il shown with a North Korean living in Russia who visited North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this June 2, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il visits a fruit farm in Pukchong in South Hamgyong province, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this February 23, 2002 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il gives advice at the potato processing plant in Ryanggang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il when he visited Samjiyon in Baekdu Mountain, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this August 17, 2001 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il, right, enjoys the boat ride on Amur River in Khabarovsk, Russia. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02969526 An undated picture made available by the (North) Korean Central News Agency on 17 October 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (6-L) posing with a group of officials while visiting the Yongyang Mine in South Hamkyong Province. EPA/KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02965522 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (F-R), accompanied by his son and heir-apparent Jong-un (L) and other officials, inspects a snapping turtle farm in Pyongyang, North Korea. Many Koreans enjoy snapping turtles, known as 'jara' in Korean, as a food that gives stamina. The North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), which released this photo on 14 October 2011, did not disclose when it was taken. EPA/KCNA/YONHAP

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02823207 An undated picture released by the official North Korean agency KCNA on 14 July 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il applauding members of the command of KPA (Korea's Peoples Army) Unit 963 in Pyongyang. EPA/KCNA

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this June 1958 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il (left) studies the general education curriculum with his schoolmates. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this October 1963 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il when he was a student of Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KNSER/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, young days of leader Kim Jong Il as he straddles a horse. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, young days of leader Kim Jong Il as he works at the Central Committee of WPK (Worker's Party of Korea). (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this January 1998 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il chats. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il (second person from right) takes part of a souvenir picture with his friends. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this July 7, 1975 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il waves his hand to the citizens from inside the train traveling a round trip from the Kim Il Sung University to Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this March 1, 1995 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il offers a silent prayer at the state funeral of Wonsu (Marshal) O Chin U at the February 8 House of Culture in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this April 25, 1997 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, Kim Jong Il salutes the participants of the parade celebrating the 85th anniversary of leader Kim Il Sung and the 65th anniversary of the (North) Korean People's Army. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02757373 An undated picture released by the North Korean News Agency KCNA on 29 May 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il (C) providing field guidance to the construction site of the Huichon Power Station upon his return home after wrapping up his unofficial visit to China. At left is his son Kim Jong-Un who is being prepared as designated successor. EPA/KCNA

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this October 10, 2000 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il greets the participants of the 55th anniversary of the foundation of the Workers' Party of Korea parade. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA: KIM JONG IL

In this July 1, 1989 photo from North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency, distributed by Korea News Service, leader Kim Jong Il attends the opening ceremony of the 13th World Festival of Youth and Students held in Pyongyang, North Korea. (Korean Central News Agency/Korea News Service via AP Images) (KEYSTONE/AP KCNA VIA KNS/)

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02731807 An undated picture made available by the (North) Korean Central News Agency on 14 May 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il inspecting a fish farm in a northern region of the country. EPA/KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02724319 North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (second from R) looks at products during his visit to Namheung Youth Petrochemical Factory in Anju, South Pyongan Province in this photo released by the (North) Korean Central News Agency and made available 9 May 2011. No date of the visit was provided. EPA/YNA

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02614098 An undated photograph made available 04 March 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il looks at flowers at the Floricultural Institute in Pyongyang, DPRK. Kim Jong Il, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), recently inspected two botanic institutes based in the capital, the official KCNA news agency reported on 03 March 2011. When inspecting the Pyongyang Vegetable Science Institute, Kim, general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the DPRK National Defence Commission, hailed the institute's contribution in improving people's diet and promoting their health. EPA/KCNA

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL BIRTHDAY

epa02575626 A picture made available on 11 February 2011 shows group of North Korean farmers holding a rally in Pyongyang, North Korea on 10 February 2011 to mark their leader Kim Jong-il's birthday, which falls on 16 February 2011. EPA/YONHAP NEWS AGENCY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL BIRTHDAY

epa02573400 A picture made available on 10 February 2011 shows North Korean workers gather at a convention hall in Pyongyang, North Korea on 08 February to mark North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's birthday, which falls on 16 February. EPA/YONHAP

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL BIRTHDAY

epa02573399 A picture made available on 10 February 2011 shows A North Korean workers' party art troupe perform at a convention hall in Pyongyang, North Korea on 08 February to mark North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's birthday, which falls on 16 February. EPA/YONHAP

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02557960 A picture released by the North Korean News Agency KCNA on 31 January 2011 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (C) inspecting a vinyl manufacturing factory in Hamheung, South Hamkyong Province, North Korea. The North Korean Central News Agency released the photo but did not elaborate on when it was taken. EPA/YONHAP/KCNA <Copyright ¨Ï 1980-2011 YONHAPNEWS AGENCY. All rights reserved.>

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02547589 A picture made available on 25 January 2011 by the North Korean news agency KCNA shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (R) during a meeting with Naguib Sawiris ( not in picture), chairman of Egypt's Orascom Telecom Holding, during Sawiris's visit to Pyongyang on 23 January 2011. The Cairo-based firm has been providing mobile phone service in the North via a joint venture it set up with the North Korean government. EPA/YONHAP/KCNA <Copyright ¨Ï 1980-2011 YONHAPNEWS AGENCY. All rights reserved.>

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02547579 A picture made available on 25 January 2011 by the North Korean news agency KCNA shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (R) and Naguib Sawiris (C), chairman of Egypt's Orascom Telecom Holding, posing for a photo during Sawiris's visit to Pyongyang on 23 January 2011. The Cairo-based firm has been providing mobile phone service in the North via a joint venture it set up with the North Korean government. EPA/YONHAP/KCNA

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo released on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2011, by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center, is briefed during his visit to the Mansudae Art Studio in Pyongyang, North Korea's capital. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo released on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il visits the People's Study House in North Hwanghae province, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo released on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il looks at bottles in the containers during his visit to a foodstuff factory in Sariwon, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

In this undated photo released on Saturday, Jan. 22, 2011, by Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service in Tokyo, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il samples a biscuit during his visit to a foodstuff factory in Sariwon, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service) JAPAN OUT

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02540697 An undated tv still made available by the North's official Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station on 21 January 2011 shows North Korean Leader Kim Jong-il inspecting mineral water factory in Pyongang, North Korea. EPA/KOREAN CENTRAL TV BROADCASTING STATION EDITORIAL USE ONLY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02528535 An undated picture made available by the (North) Korean Central News Agency on 14 January 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il visiting a new glass bottle factory in Nampo, South Pyongan Province. EPA/KOREAN CENTRAL NEWS AGENCY

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL KIM JONG UN

epa02430475 An undated picture made available by KCNA on 04 November 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-il (C) and his heir-apparent Jong-un (2-L) inspect a power plant construction site in Huichon, Jagang Province, North Korea. EPA/KCNA

CHINA NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

A train which is believed to carry North Korean leader Kim Jong Il moves past Dongjingcheng, Heilongjiang province, China, Monday, Aug. 30, 2010. North Korean leader Kim Jong Il appeared Monday to be winding up a six-day visit to China that fueled speculation he was seeking aid and drumming up support for a succession plan involving his youngest son. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) ** JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, FOR COMMERCIAL USE ONLY IN NORTH AMERICA **

CHINA NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

A man, believed to be North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, center facing away from camera, is greeted at Changchun rail station in Changchun, China, Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010. Kim has reportedly met top Chinese leaders in an apparent bid for Beijing's diplomatic and financial support for a succession plan involving his third and youngest son, who is said to be traveling with him. (AP Photo/Kyodo News) ** JAPAN OUT, MANDATORY CREDIT, FOR COMMERCIAL USE ONLY IN NORTH AMERICA **

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02301324 An undated photograph released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) on 26 August 2010 of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il giving field guidance to the Pyongyang Cornstarch Factory, Pyongyang, North Korea. Kim Jong Il appeared to be travelling to China 26 August 2010, a South Korean news report said. Kim Jong Il was reportedly on his way to Beijing by train, in what would be his second visit this year, the Yonhap News agency said, citing a senior South Korean government official who requested anonymity. EPA/KCNA

FILE CHINA NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL VISIT

epa02301269 (FILE) A file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in May 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il inspects a transport control cabin at an undisclosed location during his visit from 03 to 07 May in China. Kim Jong Il appeared to be travelling to China 26 August 2010, a South Korean news report said. Kim Jong Il was reportedly on his way to Beijing by train, in what would be his second visit this year, the Yonhap News agency said, citing a senior South Korean government official who requested anonymity. EPA/KCNA

FILE NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02301267 (FILE) A file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in March 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il as he inspects the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex in the country's North Hamgyong Province. Japan's newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported on April 20 that Kim's third son and heir-apparent Kim Jong-un is beside him. Kim Jong Il appeared to be travelling to China 26 August 2010, a South Korean news report said. Kim Jong Il was reportedly on his way to Beijing by train, in what would be his second visit this year, the Yonhap News agency said, citing a senior South Korean government official who requested anonymity. EPA/KCNA

FILE CHINA NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL VISIT

epa02301266 (FILE) A file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in May 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (L) meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao (R) at an undisclosed location during his visit from 03 to 07 May 2010 in China. Kim Jong Il appeared to be travelling to China 26 August 2010, a South Korean news report said. Kim Jong Il was reportedly on his way to Beijing by train, in what would be his second visit this year, the Yonhap News agency said, citing a senior South Korean government official who requested anonymity. EPA/KCNA

FILE CHINA NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL VISIT

epa02301264 (FILE) A file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in May 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (L) meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao at an undisclosed location during his visit from 03 to 07 May 2010 in China. Kim Jong Il appeared to be travelling to China 26 August 2010, a South Korean news report said. Kim Jong Il was reportedly on his way to Beijing by train, in what would be his second visit this year, the Yonhap News agency said, citing a senior South Korean government official who requested anonymity. EPA/KCNA

FILE NORTH KOREA KIM JONG-IL

epa02223790 (FILE) A file photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) in March 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il as he inspects the Kim Chaek Iron and Steel Complex in the country's North Hamgyong Province. Japan's newspaper Mainichi Shimbun reported on April 20 that Kim's third son and heir-apparent Kim Jong-un is beside him, this being his first public appearance before the media. To the surprise of many, communist North Korea has announced a change of leadership in the ruling labour party. At the beginning of September, the politbureau of the Central Committee of the party would convene for electing its 'highest executive committee', the federal news agency KCNA reported on 26 June 2010. EPA/KCNA file

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL

epa02210801 An undated photo released by the Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) made available on 19 June 2010 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (C), providing field guidance at the Rakwon Machine Complex, Sinuiju, North Korea. EPA/KCNA

NORTH KOREA KIM JONG IL GAS

epa02189987 An undated photograph released by the Korean Central News Agency (KNCA) on 07 June shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il (L) listening to a briefing on the newly built gasification process during an inspection of the Namhung Youth Chemical Complex in South Pyongan Province. EPA/KCNA