This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/8078324.stm

The article has changed 13 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
N Korea 'names Kim's successor' N Korea 'names Kim's successor'
(30 minutes later)
South Korean media say North Korea has told its diplomatic missions abroad that Kim Jong-il's youngest son has been named as the next leader. North Korea's leader Kim Jong-il has designated his youngest son to be the country's next leader, according to reports in South Korean media.
Two newspapers and an opposition lawmaker said diplomats had been told to support Kim Jong-un. Two newspapers and an opposition lawmaker said South Korea's spy agency had briefed legislators on the move.
South Korea's Hankook Ilbo and Dong-a Ilbo newspapers reported that the regime sent the message right after the 25 May nuclear test. North Korean diplomats abroad were reportedly told to support Kim Jong-un after the North's 25 May nuclear test.
There has been much speculation over who would follow the ailing Mr Kim. There has been much speculation over who would follow the ailing Mr Kim, who suffered a stroke last year.
He suffered a stroke last year, but appears to have recovered somewhat. Analysts have said the North's recent military actions, including last week's nuclear test, may have been aimed at helping Mr Kim solidify power so that he could name a successor.
Analysts have said the North's recent military actions, including last week's nuclear test, may be aimed at helping Mr Kim solidify power so that he can name a successor.
Little knownLittle known
The reports quoted unnamed members of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee briefed by the spy agency, although the spy agency refused to confirm the reports. The reports in the Hankook Ilbo and Dong-a Ilbo newspapers quoted unnamed members of South Korea's parliamentary intelligence committee briefed by the spy agency, although the spy agency refused to confirm the reports.
The Associated Press reported that opposition legislator Park Jie-won, a member of the parliament's intelligence committee, told local radio he had been briefed by the government on the North's move. The Associated Press news agency reported that opposition legislator Park Jie-won, a member of the parliament's intelligence committee, told local radio he had been briefed by the government on the North's move.
Mr Park said the regime is "pledging allegiance to Kim Jong-un", it reported.Mr Park said the regime is "pledging allegiance to Kim Jong-un", it reported.
The Dong-a Ilbo added that the North is teaching its people a song lauding the son - who reportedly enjoys skiing and studied English, German and French at a Swiss school. Little is known about Kim Jong-il's youngest son, who is thought to have been born in 1983 or early 1984.
There is no confirmed photograph of the adult Kim Jong-un and his age is uncertain. He was born either in 1983 or early 1984, reports say. The Dong-a Ilbo added that the North is teaching its people a song lauding Kim Jong-un - who reportedly enjoys skiing and studied English, German and French at a Swiss school.
'Ruthless streak'
There is no confirmed photograph of him as an adult.
Questions have also been raised over whether his late mother, a Japanese-born professional dancer called Ko Yong-hui, was Kim Jong-il's official wife or mistress.Questions have also been raised over whether his late mother, a Japanese-born professional dancer called Ko Yong-hui, was Kim Jong-il's official wife or mistress.
The youngest Kim has been reported as being the son who most resembles his father.
He is also reported to have a ruthless streak and the strongest leadership skills of Kim Jong-il's three sons.
The BBC's correspondent, Chris Hogg, says it is not the first time there has been speculation that the youngest son was being groomed to succeed his father.
There were reports he had been named as his successor in January. In April the South Korean newsagency, Yonhap, said he had joined the North's powerful National Defence Commission.
Our correspondent notes that in a society that values seniority his youth could be a problem.
Who will eventually rule the nuclear-armed North has been the focus of intense media speculation since leader Mr Kim, 67, reportedly suffered a stroke last August.
The last succession was settled 20 years before the death of the Great Leader Kim Il-sung in 1994, and publicly announced at a party congress in 1980.