What is this important announcement going to be? How would a coup or death of KJ affect north korea and it's relations with the western world? I don't know why, but this country has always interested me. It would be nice if we were on good terms with them.
http://news.sympatico.msn.ctv.ca/abc...fkim_il_081019
A Japanese newspaper has reported that its government has information that North Korea would issue the announcement as soon as Monday. Japan's largest newspaper, the Yomiuri, said it may be about Kim's possible death or, perhaps, a change in government due to a coup.
The paper said North Korea has issued an order telling its diplomats abroad to remain on standby for the announcement. North Korea has also banned foreigners from travelling to the country starting on Monday, according to the paper.
However, prominent South Korean officials and experts on the region questioned the media reports.
South Korea's Unification Ministry said there has been no unusual activity at its border with its northern neighbour. South Korea's intelligence agency said it could not confirm the Japanese reports. U.S. officials were also not commenting.
Speculation about the North Korean announcement is not surprising due to the communist country's extreme isolation. Kim's health has also been the subject of scrutiny since the 66-year-old leader disappeared from public view in August.
North Korean leaders have denied there is anything wrong with his health, but South Korean officials have said Kim may have suffered a stroke and had brain surgery.
About a week ago, North Korea released photos of Kim at a military site. He appeared healthy, but there's no proof about when the pictures were taken. U.S. military analysts have said the green foliage in the background of the pictures suggest they weren't taken in the fall.
On Friday, South Korean Defence Minister Lee Sang-hee said his government and the U.S. believe Kim is still in charge.
North Korean experts said the reported announcement could be related to any number of issues, not necessarily Kim's death.
Kim took over as the North Korean leader and head of the country's ruling Workers' Party after his father died in 1994. Known as "Dear Leader" to his citizens, he continues to rule the country under a cult of personality and has never held an election.
Under his rule, North Koreans have faced major economic hardships, including reports of massive starvation due to food shortages. However, Kim apparently remains popular, frequently telling North Koreans that the West wants to invade.
Until recently, he also continued to develop North Korea's nuclear arms program despite the country's agreement in the mid-1990s to stop such activities in exchange for aid. In 2002, U.S. President George Bush labelled the country part of the "Axis of Evil," along with Iraq and Iran.
In 2006, North Korea said it conducted an underground nuclear test and it has made several high profile attempts to develop long range missiles.
Earlier this month, the U.S. announced it would take the country off its terrorism list because it had agreed to halt and begin dismantling its nuclear program.
Kim Jong Il has three sons, but very little else is known about his family.