Kim Jong Il

Kim, who turns 63 this month, inherited power from his father Kim Il Sung in 1994 as North Korea established the world's first communist dynasty.

Kim was anointed by his father when the elder Kim was 62. Kim Jong Il is believed to be ready to anoint one of his three sons, none of whom was mentioned by name in the North Korean radio report.

South Korea's JoongAng newspaper said talk of the succession was aired publicly in North Korea for the first time on state radio Jan. 27.

Kim Jong Nam

"Our founder Kim Il Sung, when he was alive, emphasized that if he falls short of completing the revolution, it will be continued by his son and grandson," the newspaper quoted the commentary as saying, noting that the term grandson referred to one of Kim Jong Il's heirs apparent.

Kim's eldest son Kim Jong Nam, 33, is in contention to inherit power, though it's believed he may be losing out in a power struggle, according to experts.

His two rivals for the succession are Kim Jong Chul, 23, and Kim Jong Woon, 21.

The Japan Times Weekly: Feb. 5, 2005
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