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Kim's third son named successor - report
(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-06-02 16:10

Kim's third son named successor - report
In this undated file photo released on March 19, 2009, by Korean Central News Agency, DPRK leader Kim Jong-il (center) inspects the newly-built swimming complex at the Kim Il Sung University in Pyongyang. [Agencies] 
Kim's third son named successor - report
SEOUL -- Kim Jong-il's third and youngest son was named next leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) in an announcement to top ruling party, government and military leaders, a South Korea lawmaker and newspapers said Tuesday.

The announcement naming Kim Jong-un as leader was sent after the nation's May 25 nuclear test, the Hankook Ilbo newspaper reported, citing unnamed members of the South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee briefed by the spy agency.

DPRK's ruling Workers' Party, the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly and the Cabinet formally were notified about Kim Jong-un's appointment, the Hankook Ilbo said.

The Dong-a Ilbo newspaper carried a similar report cited unidentified sources. The National Intelligence Service said it cannot confirm the reports.

Kim Jong-un -- a 26-year-old who reportedly enjoys skiing and studied English, German and French at a Swiss boarding school --has been described as an intelligent and thoughtful man.

He is known to have studied at the International School of Berne in Switzerland until 1998 under the pseudonym Pak Chol, the Swiss weekly news magazine L'Hebdo reported earlier this year, citing classmates and school officials.

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A classmate recalled him as introverted but an avid skier and basketball player who was a big fan of the NBA star Michael Jordan. A car arrived every day after school to pick him up, the report said.

He is the son of the late Ko Yong Hi, a former dancer who died in 2004.