The North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station aired footage of Jang Song-thaek, vice chairman of the North's powerful National Defense Commission, as he accompanied the successor Kim to pay respect to his father's body on display at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang.
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The North's Korean Central Broadcasting Station aired footage of vice chairman of the North's powerful National Defense Commission Jang Song-thaek (1st from the left) in a military uniform with a general's badge as he accompanies Kim Jong-un to pay respect to his father's body lying in state at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang (Yonhap) |
It is the first time that the state TV has shown the late Kim's brother-in-law, usually dressed in business suits, wearing a military uniform with a general's badge.
Jang has not yet officially been given the rank of general, but the latest footage hints that the new leadership might have promoted him after Kim's abrupt death on Dec. 17.
Jang, who is married to the late leader's younger sister, Kim Kyong-hui, has been involved in security and defense affairs as well as projects to attract foreign investment. He has long been considered a key regent in helping smooth the way for a third-generation power transition to the late Kim's youngest son.
Experts say the footage of the third-generation Kim with senior officials from the country's three-pronged military leadership signals that the 20-something successor will lead the nation of 24 million based on its "military-first" policy.
The state media have heaped praises on the heir over the past week, calling him the "supreme commander," in what seems to be the latest campaign to ensure a smooth transition of power following his father's death.
Doubts, however, have been raised over whether the inexperienced successor could gain control of the North's 1.1 million-strong military, which served as the backbone of his father's rule.
ejkim@yna.co.kr
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