JN Kim Believed to Return Home

It was reported that a man believed to be the eldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-Il and three other traveling companions returned to North Korea after being deported from Japan to China.

On May 4, they flew to Beijing through All Nippon Airways and left the Beijing’s airport after they were handed over to the Chinese officials. There were no further sings as to the foursome’s whereabouts.

The Chinese diplomatic sources said, "It is assumed that Kim and his traveling companions already returned to North Korea. It is most likely that they boarded on North Korean Air Koryo to Pyongyang." The Chinese sources added that Kim and his companions had no reason to stay in China. The North Korean authorities were also well aware that a longer stay in China would only complicate the case.

According to Kyodo News Agency, Kim Jong-Nam requested the Japanese Immigration Bureau officials to let him return to North Korea by May 7 because he had some business to straighten out.

The North Korean press has not reported Kim Jong-Nam’s case Sunday. Both the Chinese government and the press have not made any announcement either.

Lee Jong-Hwan ljhzip@donga.com