N. Korean TV airs monthly documentary of Kim Jong-il

SEOUL, July 22 (Yonhap) -- North Korea's state television on Wednesday aired a documentary of leader Kim Jong-il's public activities in March, in which he barely uses his left hand but briskly interacts with his entourage.

North Korea regularly airs recorded video images of Kim as part of propaganda to
venerate the nation's commander. Such images have drawn keen outside attention in
an attempt to read his health condition since Kim, 67, reportedly had a stroke
last summer.
The 40-minute piece, titled "Great Leader Comrade Kim Jong-il Gives Field
Guidance in a Number of People's Economy Projects" showed Kim touring over a
dozen industrial and other facilities including North Korea's sole homegrown
automaker, Sungri Motor, and the Huichon Power Station.
The video showed no major movements by Kim, except when he took a few steps or
talked to his entourage.
Kim is shown in a thick parka and his trademark dark sunglasses. His left hand
barely moved, and his left leg seemed unnatural when he took about four steps
during a trip to a newly built swimming pool at Kim Il Sung University. His hair
was thin.
But he used his right arm actively and smiled widely as he talked to his
entourage. Kim also took a picture of himself in front of a statue of his late
father and the country's founder, Kim Il-sung, during a trip to a historic site.
The documentary aired by the Korean Central TV Broadcasting Station came seven
days after a February piece was broadcast.
North Korea said last week it is making a documentary series that chronicles the
entire life of Kim, which would be the first retrospective on the authoritarian
ruler. The announcement spurred speculation that Kim may be preparing to pass his
baton to his successor, likely his third and youngest son, Jong-un.
hkim@yna.co.kr
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