New South Korean intelligence indicates that ailing North Korean leader Kim Jong Il suffered a serious setback in his recovery from a stroke and has been hospitalized, a newspaper reported Wednesday.
The report in the Dong-a Ilbo newspaper cited an unnamed government official in saying intelligence obtained Sunday suggested “a serious problem” with Kim’s health. The report did not elaborate, and South Korea’s National Intelligence Service and Unification Ministry said Wednesday they could not confirm it.
Kim, 66, reportedly suffered a stroke and underwent brain surgery in August.
A Japanese TV station said Kim’s eldest son went to Paris to recruit a neurosurgeon who was flown back to Asia to treat Kim.
The Dong-a report came a day after Japan’s prime minister told lawmakers in Tokyo that Kim probably is in the hospital, though “not unable” to make decisions as North Korea’s leader.
The chief of the National Intelligence Service had told lawmakers Tuesday that Kim was “not physically perfect” but still able to rule the
country.
Report: N. Korea’s Kim suffers new health setback
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