[imText1]There is a strong possibility that Kim Jong Il, upon resolving North Korean nuclear and economic issues, will designate Kim Jong Choel, his second son, as his successor in 2012 when he turns 70 years old.
Cheong Seong Chang, a researcher of South-North relations at Sejong Institute, suggested in a debate on the 1st of October that “If Kim Jong Il plans to address the question of successor only after resolving the economic and nuclear problems, his influence over general issues in North Korea will weaken due to the infirmity of old age.”
Cheong said that “Kim Il Sung designated Kim Jong Il as his successor when he was 62 years old. In contrast, Kim Jong Il, now 65, has not yet decided his successor.” Therefore, Cheong predicts that Kim Jong Il will designate Jung Choel as his successor and conjointly rule the regime and the country when he reaches 70 years of age.
Kim Jong Il has three sons: the first son is Jong Nam (36) whose late mother was the famous actress Sung Hye Rim, the mother of Jong Choel (26) and Jong Woon (24) was Ko Young Hee, who died in 2004.
Cheong mentioned the editorial of Chosun Central Broadcasting in September, 2004 that “Strengthening the regime for Suryeong (the Supreme Leader)’s successor is the fundamental act on the way to inherit the revolutionary feat of the working class.”
He said that “Although Jong Nam has political sense and temperament as a leader, as a consequence of his late mother’s status, he has a decisive flaw; it is difficult to regard Sung Hye Rim, who was once a concubine to Kim Jong Il, as the mother of the state. It weakened Kim Jong Nam’s position that the cult of personality in favor of Ko Young Hee, the mother of Jong Choel and Jong Woon, has continued since the death of Kim Il Sung.”
He added that “If the successor is officially decided, he will hold power over the military, the state departments and the working organizations based on the foundation of the Workers’ Party.”
A South Korean authority claimed that “It is not true that Jong Choel was affiliated with the Guidance Department of the Workers’ Party, and he is still abroad.” According to that authority, Jong Choel is not yet a candidate for successor.
