World | Other World Stories

North Korea releases photos of leader Kim Jong Il

The latest photos showed reclusive North Korean leader Kim Jong Il looking generally well despite reports that he recently underwent brain surgery.

  • Agencies
  • Published: 10:04 October 11, 2008
  • Gulf News

  • Image Credit: Korean Central Television
  • North Korean leader Kim Jong Il talks with North Korean soldiers during an inspection at a female military unit in North Korea
Image 1 of 5
12345

Seoul: North Korea released pictures of leader Kim Jong Il on Saturday for the first time in nearly two months.

The latest photos showed the reclusive leader looking generally well despite reports that he recently underwent brain surgery. However, it is not clear when the photos were taken.

Wearing his trademark khaki jumpsuit and sunglasses, Kim was seen standing with uniformed soldiers with his arms folded or his hands behind his back.

The photos were taken during a visit to a military unit, and shown on Pyongyang's Korean Central Television.

The 66-year-old Kim, believed to have diabetes and heart disease, had missed several key holidays in recent months.

US and South Korean officials have said Kim suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery. North Korea has denied he was ill.

News Editor's choice