U.S.: N. Korean Leader`s Health Improving

The United States told South Korea last week that the health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il has apparently approved, a Seoul government source said yesterday.

“The U.S. government said early last week that Kim seemed gravely ill immediately after his health problems were confirmed,” the source said. “Given no notable changes in the Stalinist regime, Kim’s health seems to have improved.”

Immediately after Kim was known to have health problems last month, Washington told Seoul that Kim apparently was in ill health. The U.S. government also did not rule out Kim’s incapacity but could not confirm the South Korean government’s opinion on his health.

The (North) Korea Central News Agency said Saturday that Kim watched a soccer game between Kim Il Sung University and Pyongyang University of Railways to mark the 62nd anniversary of Kim Il Sung University.

On this, a Seoul official said, “Given recent developments, the news agency seemed to report that Kim watched the soccer match to support a preliminary step to resume his official movement.”

“The South Korean government is keeping an eye on if Kim will attend the 63rd anniversary of the Workers’ Party Friday.”

jin0619@donga.com