DPRK leader's photo likely being reused: Report

SEOUL: A photo of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) leader recently shown on Pyongyang's state TV appears to be a doctored version of one published in April by the country's official news agency - a possible sign his health is worsening - according to media reports yesterday.

A still photo of 67-year-old Kim Jong Il visiting an army unit, shown on state TV on June 14, is nearly identical to an April 25 military group shot of Kim, the Chosun Ilbo newspaper said, citing unidentified intelligence officials who said there was a "a high possibility" the April image was recycled.

Officials at the National Intelligence Service, Republic of Korea (ROK)'s main spy agency; the Unification Ministry, which handles affairs with DPRK; and the president's office said they could not confirm the report.