[Al Jazeera] North Korea's leader is reportedly heading home from northeastern China, where he is said to have secured massive economic aid and diplomatic support for his country.South Korean media said Kim Jong-il left a hotel in the city of Changchun on Saturday morning, possibly along with Kim Jong-un, his son and heir apparent.
YTN TV and Yonhap news agency said a convoy of about 20 cars, protected by 10 Chinese security vehicles, stopped by an international food exhibition site and a cinema set before leaving the city.
Earlier, a container lorry believed to be carrying luggage belonging to Kim's entourage left for the city's railway station where his special train was on standby, Yonhap reported.
Succession rumours
Reports said the ailing Kim had travelled to China to secure diplomatic and financial support for an eventual handover of power to his son.
The 27-year-old is widely tipped to be elected to the North's leadership at a rare party meeting early next month.