Kim Jong-Il's Diabetes, Heart Problems Worsen orth Korean leader Kim Jong Il's health has worsened, a newspaper reported Monday, possibly causing him to limit his public appearances.
The Chosun Ilbo newspaper quoted an unidentified intelligence official as saying South Korean authorities were investigating a report that ``Kim's diabetes and heart disease have worsened.''
There have been similar reports about the 65-year-old Kim's deteriorating health in the past, but the latest one is believed to be ``more credible'' than any other reports, the official was quoted as saying.
U.S. intelligence authorities obtained a similar report and were trying to verify it, the official said.
Health reasons could be causing Kim to curtail his public appearances, the newspaper said, noting he has appeared 23 times this year _ compared to 42 times at the same point last year.
The report did not give any more details, including how serious Kim's health conditions were.
The National Intelligence Service, the South's main spy agency, said it was checking on the report.
Kim has ruled the North with an iron fist after his father and the North's founder, Kim Il Sung, died in 1994. He has three known sons, but has not yet publicly designated any as his successor.
Sun May 27, 2007 20:38 EDT
MICHAEL HILL Associated Press Writer ALBANY, N.Y.
Pyongyang watchers agree that Kim Jong-Il The Chairman of the Defense Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and defacto dictator, is having health trouble.  Due to the secrecy of the North Korean regime only small bits of information are available.  Kim is reported to have difficulty walking unassisted and is reported to be frail.  Due to these symptoms, Kim's obvious obesity, and the fact that a team of German cardiologists has been dispatched to Pyongyang; It is believed Kim is suffering from congestive heart failure.  Kim's father Kim Il-Sung died of heart failure in 1994.