Kim Jong-il gets 3rd term as leader

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(China Daily/Xinhua/Agencies)
Updated: 2009-04-10 12:43

Kim Jong-il laid to rest speculation about his health with a triumphant return to parliament Thursday for his appointment to a third term as the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's (DPRK) top leader.

Kim Jong-il (C), leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, claps his hands upon his arrival to participate in the 12th top People's Assembly in Pyongyang, April 9, 2009, in this frame grab taken from footage released by DPRK's state broadcaster KRT. [Agencies]

Kim, solemnly presiding over the opening session of the country's legislature, was making his first major public appearance since reportedly suffering a stroke last August. He appeared considerably thinner and older than nine months ago.

Limping ever so slightly as he arrived to a standing ovation from fellow deputies to the 687-seat top People's Assembly, he returned their applause by clapping, then motioned for them to be seated, footage broadcast on state TV Thursday evening showed.

Legislators approved Kim as chairman of the powerful National Defense Commission, an appointment that under the constitution makes him the nation's top leader while his father, late DPRK founder Kim Il-sung, remains "eternal president."

"Having comrade Kim Jong-il at the highest post of our country again is a great honor and happiness for our military and people and a great happy event for all Korean people," a newscaster said on state TV.

The appearance may put to rest some questions about whether Kim, 67, has recuperated from a stroke that US and the Republic of Korea's officials say he suffered in mid-August.

His failure to attend a milestone parade marking the 60th anniversary of the country's founding in September had sparked concerns about his health. Pyongyang denies he was ever ill.

Kim re-emerged in state media in early October and has steadily visited farms, factories and military units for "on-the-spot field guidance" in an energetic tour widely seen as an attempt to squelch rumors about his health.

However, recent photos showed him looking frail and extremely thin, having lost his burgeoning belly. Yesterday, Kim looked healthier than in the photos but the weight loss appeared to have been sudden, leaving the skin on his once-pudgy face hanging loosely.

Kim also is the top official in the powerful Workers' Party and top commander of the army.

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