Kim Jong-il 'Has Pancreatic Cancer'

[tekisui]

Source: Guardian

North Korea's "dear leader", Kim Jong-il, has life-threatening cancer, South Korean media claimed today, prompting fears for the country's long-term stability.

The reports came days after images appeared of the 67-year-old looking gaunt in a rare public appearance, increasing speculation that his health was worsening after a reported stroke last year.

Seoul's YTN television channel reported that Kim had been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, citing unidentified intelligence officials in South Korea and China as saying the illness was threatening his life.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service said it could not confirm the report, and a unification ministry spokesman, Chun Hae-sung, told reporters he knew nothing of the claims. US officials contacted by Reuters were unable to comment.

Tensions on the peninsula have been running high in recent months, since the North's nuclear and missile tests, making the stability of the regime a more pressing issue than ever.

more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2009/jul/13/kim-jong-il-cancer

[KharmaTrain]

1. If That's True...He's Not Gonna Be Around Very Long...

There definitely is something happening inside the cocoon that rules North Korea. Having known someone who had this terrible illness, the diagnosis is almost always terminal within 6 months. Someone I worked with went from being strong and vibrant to a shell of himself in 3 months.

[shadowknows69]

4. My BIL died of it very quickly.

[shadowknows69]

2. It is only a matter of short time if this is true for "Dear leader"

Now the question remains is will he attempt take his country and a good chunk of the Korean penn. with him before he goes?

[W_HAMILTON]

3. For such a rare disease,

it sure seems to be taking out a lot of famous people lately.

[Jkid]

5. His days are finally numbered.

Problem is that he's going to be replaced, mostly likely by his son.

[tekisui]

6. 25 year old Kim Jong Un

[Botany]

7. Best wishes to Jim Ward!

K to the J with the L

[JBoy]

8. Kim Out! Literally.

[Botany]

9. Zagnut & a Tricked Out AMC Pacer

[michreject]

10. Hope he doesn't do something stupid

Like want to take the world with him.

[malaise]

11. There is no way he could still be alive if he had pancreatic

cancer. Reports of that stroke are over a year ago. I call BS

[nomaco-10]

12. With the world's population exploding for the under 30's...

the advent of the internet, global trade and the exchange of ideas and culture around the world, the dying out from old age of leaders like Kim Jong-il, is a good thing.

I don't know if the son will be any better, but at least there might be a chance he may want to lead his country into the 21st century in some capacity. It certainly didn't appear to be the case in Saddam's case, with sons, Udai and Qusai. I guess we may very soon find out.