ShareThisFriday, February 02, 2007
Like many things in North Korea, details about the family life of leader Kim Jong-il are scarce. Here's some of what's been gleaned from diplomats, dissidents and state media:
Kim Jongil, 65: North Korea's " Dear Leader" has at least four children by three different women.
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Kim Young-sook: Kim Jongil was forced by his father to marry the daughter of a senior military official. Although he does not spend much time with his first " official" wife, she remains loyal.
Kim Young-sook's daughter
Daughter ( child with Kim Youngsook): Little is known about this daughter, who plays no role in politics.
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Sung Hae Rim: An actress, her relationship with Kim Jong-il was not officially recognized. After years of estrangement, she is believed to have died in exile in Moscow in 2003.
Sung Hae Rim's son:
Kim Jong-nam, 35: He had long been considered a favorite to succeed his father, until he was caught trying to enter Japan on a fake passport in a bid to visit Tokyo Disneyland.
X X X
Koh Young Hui: A former dancer, she had taken over the role of North Korea's first lady before her death in 2004, reportedly of cancer.
Koh Young Hui's sons:
Kim Jong-chol, 25: Little is known about him, except that he studied in Switzerland and is a fan of U. S. professional basketball.
Kim Jong-un, 22: He resembles his father in every way, according to the family's former sushi chef, and is thought now to be the heir apparent.
