Saw this in the news feeds over at NK Zone. From AERA magazine (Japan) via the Chosun Ilbo. First was the ‘Great Leader,’ then the ‘Dear Leader,’ and now ‘The Commander:’

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has decided to pass the mantle of leadership of one of the world’s most repressive regimes to his second son Kim Jong-chul… an informed official [says] Kim Jong-il’s mind was made up. Numerous sources said the last few months have seen a political education campaign on all levels of the Stalinist country including the workplace exalting Kim Jong-chul as the legitimate successor to his spiky-haired father’s personality cult… Leader-in-waiting Jong-chul is referred to as “the Commander” … [emphasis added]

AERA goes on to predict that “the Commander” may be presented to the Korean people as their next leader on 10 October at the 60th anniversary of the Workers Party of Korea. Beside the headline feed mentioned above, I have not seen anything on this in blogs, or in English language news recently (except this, based on the same Japanese source), although there were similar reports earlier this year. So this might be just a rumor, or it might not.

The ‘Dear Leader’ has three sons that have been considered serious candidates for his positon (read: legitimate sons): Jong-nam, Jong-chul (also spelled Jong-chol), and Jong-eun (also spelled Jong-un or Jong-woong).

Kim Jong-nam is thought to have ruined his chances in 2001 after being caught – and making headlines – with a Dominican Republic passport trying to enter Tokyo to take his family to Disneyland. The middle son, Jong-chul was thought to be a good contender (and is the choice, according the latest report), but a Japanese chef who lived in Pyongyang for some years reported that Kim Jong-il thought Jong-chul to be too effeminate, raising questions about his sexual preference and chances for future leadership. Jong-eun was simply considered to be too young.

For outsiders, the leadership decision-making process in North Korea is something of a guessing game, and I suggest that the Japanese article may be more of the same – but it may not. Like most other DPRK issues, only time will tell.

CORRECTION: About Joel posted on this topic, yesterday.