N. Korea: Kim Jong-il's Eldest Son 'in the Dark but Not in Exile'

Chosun Ilbo ^ | 06/08/09

[TigerLikesRooster]

Kim Jong-il's Eldest Son 'in the Dark but Not in Exile'

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's eldest son Jong-nam admits he relies on press reports for news that his younger brother Jong-un will succeed their father but denies he himself is looking for asylum abroad.

Speaking to Nihon TV, Kim Jong-nam said he based his assumption on media reports and could neither confirm nor deny them definitely.

Asked whether Kim Jong-un resembles his father, he said, "That is one of the reasons my father has named my brother as his successor. My father likes my brother very much."

Nihon TV quoted Kim Jong-nam as saying the appointment of a successor is wholly the decision of the North Korean leader, who is under no obligation to notify anyone, including Jong-nam. He added he had no wish to interfere in the matter.

Kim denied press reports of a recent purge of figures close to him. "I'm staying in China and Macau as a North Korean citizen. My exile from North Korea will never happen," he added.

The Sankei Shimbun daily and other Japanese media have since April reported that the North Korean regime is arresting figures close to Kim Jong-nam and that he is now effectively living in exile.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Jong-nam is laying low, but he boosted his media exposure at the same time. Frequent media exposure would make it difficult to kill him. Media will always follow him, and when he gets hit by goons dispatched from NK, it will make international headline for weeks, and Chinese security will definitely be upset if it happens in China. All these things make it hard to cap him. That way, he can stay alive.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il's eldest son Jong-nam captured on Nihon TV

[TigerLikesRooster]

Ping!

[AdmSmith]

‘Appointment of a successor is totally my father's decision. He makes his decisions, so he does not need to talk to me or talk to another person, I think,’ said Mr Kim Jong Nam, wearing a pair of sunglasses and speaking in English.

http://www.straitstimes.com/Breaking%2BNews/Asia/Story/STIStory_387453.html

[TigerLikesRooster]

If an opportunity comes his way, Jong-nam will squash Jong-un like a bug. However, for now, Jong-nam is the one who could get squashed if not careful.

[knarf]

Yeah .. well .... Mom Dad alwats liked you better'n me.

[SevenofNine]

Sound like Lion in winter situation in NK little a bit

[dfwgator]

I’m your older brother, Jong, and I was stepped over!

That’s the way Pop wanted it.

It ain’t the way I wanted it! I can handle things! I’m smart! Not like everybody says... like dumb... I’m smart and I want respect!

[Clemenza]

Kim Fredo Ilione?

[dfwgator]

Figures you would weigh in. ;)