[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.

[Judges Gone Wild]

Maybe we could do a live satellite link with his fellow ailing Commie dictator Fidel Castro? That would be cuddly.

[Loyal Buckeye]

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

Or, maybe, it was the dog food from China.

[Carry_Okie]

Chia Head Watch, ping!

Die punk, make my day.

[SevenofNine]

That be Dr Phil moment LOL! in weird way

[kevkrom]

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

If Kim thinks he's going to die soon, he might become even more unstable and aggressive. I'd be concerned too.

[OB1kNOb]

Kim Jong Il’s health a ‘concern’

I'm more concerned about the health of his brother, Menta Lee Il.

[AhOmEsChOoLeDmInD]

Very true. :D He does seem to belong more in a nut house than in a palace. Of course, he could have a mental institution inside their. it isn't like it wouldn't fit. He is the very picture of a mental person. One almost feels the need to throw Peanuts around him instead of confetti.