Is Kim Ill?

Earlier today, anonymous Korean bloggers claimed North Korean President Kim Jong-Il’s death.  The bloggers are unnamed, reporting in the Korean language. Kim Jong-Un, the heir apparent of Kim Jong-Il’s regime, will assume his father’s position in the event of his death.  

 Jong-Un currently holds a senior position in the ruling Worker’s Party.  He has recently accompanied his father to many of his political events, creating speculation as to the state of Jong-Il’s current health.  From the outside Jong-Il appears to have a healthy lifestyle- he is a frequent on the basketball court and golf course. 

These unknown bloggers could simply be creating a rumor - in the past, there have been many claims of the North Korean leader’s death.  Yet if the bloggers’ cryptic report is indeed true, what will be the fate of North Korea? Will Jong-Un’s policy differ or mirror his father’s?