The Tenuous Position of Kim Jong-il’s Eldest Son
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s death has put some international spotlight on his eldest son Jong-nam, who lives in virtual exile overseas. Born to Song Hye-rim, Kim's second wife who died in 2002, Jong-nam had been regarded as a potential heir until the late 1990s.
But he fell out of favor in 2001 when he was arrested at Narita International Airport in Tokyo traveling on a false passport. Kim senior then turned his attention to his younger sons Jong-chol and Jong-un by his third and favorite wife Ko Yong-hui.
Kim Jong-nam regularly visited Pyongyang until his father had a stroke in summer 2008. But since Kim Jong-un was anointed heir to the hereditary throne in January 2009, he lived an itinerant life in mainly in Macau and Beijing and stayed well away from North Korea. Experts say he may not be safe and there have been rumors of assassination attempts by his younger brother, who is desperate to consolidate his position.
A source familiar with the internal North Korean affairs said China prefers Kim Jong-nam, who is pro-Chinese and reform-minded, and could end up backing him for the leadership in case the Kim Jong-un regime fails.
Kim Jong-il dead: power struggle begins between three factions
A dynastic power struggle has begun in North Korea where experts have identified three rival factions jockeying for position behind Kim Jong-un, the country's new leader.
By David Blair, Chief Foreign Correspondent
9:00PM GMT 20 Dec 2011
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Three factions may now be taking shape behind the new leader. Perhaps the most significant is led by Chang Sung-taek, a pillar of the regime who serves as vice-chairman of the National Defence Commission. His wife, Kim Kyong-hui, is the younger sister of the late leader.
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If he does try to become North Korea's de facto Regent, Mr Chang will probably face important rivals. Kim Sul-song, the 36-year-old daughter of the late leader, was close to her father and still holds an important position in the state's propaganda department.
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Meanwhile, Kim Jong-nam, the former dictator's eldest son, may also seek to rebuild his influence. Originally viewed as the most likely successor, the 40-year-old fell out of favour when he tried to leave the country and make a clandestine trip to Japan in 2001.
But there are signs that he subsequently restored some of his reputation: in 2008, he called the doctors who treated the late leader after a stroke. He was occasionally allowed to speak on behalf of his father in meetings with foreign visitors
I was wondering how long before we'd be hearing about the other son. Very interesting. Things could get dicey if China determines they want Jong-nam at the helm.
Will be interesting to see how this all plays out as things move along.