South Korean television station YTN says North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer.

The report is based on Chinese and South Korean intelligence sources. This follows a Japanese report which stated that he had been experiencing problems with his pancreas.

There has been speculation about Mr Kim's health for quite some time. He allegedly suffered a stroke last year. Since then, he has made only one public appearance - in April - and he was visibly weak. His youngest son Kim Jon-un is seen as his most likely successor. 
 

photo courtesy of Korean Central News Agency