TOKYO (AFP) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il is suffering from a "serious disorder" of the pancreas, a Japanese television network reported Friday, quoting a South Korean intelligence official. The 67-year-old's condition has been the focus of much speculation since he reportedly suffered a stroke last August.| Pancreatic cancer? That would be serious alright. Pancreatic pseudocyst? Oh, those can be painful. Pancreatitis with a phlegmon due to too much cognac? Painful indeed. Gallstone lodged in the pancreatic duct? Oh yeah, mega-pain with that one. |
Kim is believed to have been receiving treatment since he attended the first meeting of the country's new parliament in April, the official was quoted as saying. In that month, he was shown in video footage by state media for the first time since August. He appeared to have lost weight in the film.
On Wednesday, a gaunt-looking Kim made a rare televised appearance as he paid homage to his late father Kim Il-Sung at a national memorial service. The film showed Kim's hair was thinning and he had developed a slight limp.