Eldest son confirms that Kim Jong Il's youngest son will succeed him

Tokyo, June 10 (ANI): The eldest son of Kim Jong Il, North Korea's supreme leader, has confirmed that his youngest brother, Kim Jong Un, 26, will succeed their father as the Head of State.

Months of rumours and speculation were confirmed today when Kim Jong Nam, the first son of the country's "Dear Leader", told Japanese television that his half-brother, Kim Jong Un had been designated heir apparent.

"I hear the news by media. I think it's true," Kim told TV Asahi in an interview recorded in the Chinese enclave of Macau, where he is a regular visitor.

"[it] is my father's decision, so once he decides we have to support . . . I hope he can do his best for North Korean people for their happiness and better life," Nam said.

"I cannot tell what kind of person is my brother. Just I can say it's my brother. My father loves very much my brother as his son," he added.

The succession in the world's most closed and isolated nuclear-armed state had been a subject of intense speculation since Kim Jong Il suffered an apparent stroke last year. (ANI)