[N. Korea] NBC: U.S. calls Kim Jong Il’s health a ‘concern’

MSNBC ^ | 05/29/07 | Robert Windrem

[TigerLikesRooster]

U.S. calls Kim Jong Il’s health a ‘concern’

North Korean leader’s diabetes, heart disease reportedly worsening

By Robert Windrem

Investigative producer

NBC News

Updated: 6:24 p.m. ET May 29, 2007

South Korean and U.S. intelligence officials confirm that the two countries are taking seriously recent reports of a deterioration in the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

The interest, first reported in South Korea’s Chosun Ilbo newspaper and confirmed by NBC News, is based on Kim’s month-long disappearance from view as well as internal reports that the 66-year-old is suffering from advanced diabetes and heart disease as well as high blood pressure.

“The National Intelligence Service has obtained information that the reclusive leader Kim’s diabetes and heart disease have been worsening. This information is more reliable than former rumors,” Chosun Ilbo reported, quoting a South Korean official.

“It is a matter of interest and concern. I wouldn’t steer you away from that,” a senior U.S. intelligence official told NBC News. “People with diabetes don’t usually get better. They can control it better, but it doesn’t get better. Is it being looked at closely? Oh, yeah. Is he on his death bed? No.”

Out of view

U.S. and South Korean officials have been watching Kim’s appearance schedule lately. He has not been seen in public since April 25, when he headed the 75th anniversary celebration of the North Korean People's Army in Pyongyang.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Well, this is a confirmation of sorts for earlier reports:

N. Korea:Rumors Say Kim Jong-il's Health Deteriorating(S. Korean and U.S. intel looking into it)

N. Korea: Signs of Succession Intrigue(3-way struggle among Kim's sons & his new wife)

[TigerLikesRooster]

Chia Head Watch, ping!

[EagleUSA]

U.S. calls Kim Jong Il’s health a ‘concern’....
::::
A glaring omission: mention of his MENTAL health.

[SevenofNine]

HELLO Tiger dead pool alert here????

[petertare]

I am concerned the guy is still breathing. What are we thinking??

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #6

I suspect his breathing is now turning into panting and gasping, if his health is going down.

[SevenofNine]

Maybe Vlady did us a favor by poisoning his fav Russia vodka case ROFL

[Dinsdale]

He’s just ‘roanry.

[Cementjungle]

North Korean leader’s diabetes, heart disease reportedly worsening

I wouldn't use the word "concern" with this. I would use something like "hope".

[SevenofNine]

that true OMG Tiger who you think going be next North Korea leader which son

Anybody he choose we Freepers be goofing on Chia Pet death and his heir

[Kirkwood]

Diabetes? We should send him a cookie bouquet.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #11

Laced with Vlady's special concoction, polonium or ricin.:-)

[AmericanInTokyo]

I will guess three death dates, based on different scenarios.

March 12, 2017 If either a Democrat or Republican administration that has appeased North Korea, in the same manner as done by both Clinton and Bush, is elected in 2008 and then reelected in 2012.

November 23, 2009 If a seriously anti-DPRK GOP Administration is elected and they have succeed in shutting down funds flow into North Korea and have isolated him, and he is assassinated by his inner circle

September 13, 2011 If he goes into exile in Switzerland for medical treatment in the West, taking his money with him

I don't know if we get three guesses??!!

[SevenofNine]

Now that works for me any those scenes ROFL

I doubt he go to France he didn’t appreicate that Second Mrs Chia Pet died of breast cancer while under breast cancer obsertaion surgery

[AhOmEsChOoLeDmInD]

Now this is truly interesting. I have second hand experience of what diabetes can do. I have lived with my father (Mortman) long enough to know much of its effects. However, why should this ‘Concern” us? Honestly in my own little southern boy opinion, he should be helped on his way out. Of course, his death can have negative, as well as positive, effects. Positive because he is dead and gone to were he belongs, bad being that someone worse than him could take power. I may be thinking in a weird thought process, but if someone even remotely like him, or our Iranian friend, comes to power, things could stay as bad as they are now, or get worse. Though, I do like the idea of a cookie Bouquet.

[Lijahsbubbe]

I know I’m concerned, aren’t you? /sarc

[MarkeyD]

Maybe he’s being chased by a giant hedgehog.

[TigerLikesRooster]

Re #15

Some may fear any hope of deal with N. Korea could disappear if Kim kicks the bucket without signing it.:-) They are desperate for any (positive-looking) deal with N. Korea.

[Kirkwood]

“Laced with Vlady’s special concoction, polonium or ricin.:-)”

Why bother? The sugar will do the trick.

[McCloud-Strife]

There, that's more like it.