Revealed: The 'big-drinking' son who is in line to inherit control in North Korea



The youngest son of Kim Jong Il has emerged as hot favourite to take over his ailing father's dictatorship, it has emerged.

Sources close to the South Korean leader have said Kim Jong Un is the ideal candidate to take over once his father steps down from power - at least in part because he is a big drinker.



Last month, South Korean news agency Yonhap said Kim Jong Un, was named Kim's heir apparent.

This TV grab from South Korean TV station KBS shows Kim Jong Un as an 11-year-old boy

Conservative protesters burn pictures of North Korean leader Kim Jong II and his heir apparent Kim Jong Un

And yesterday Yonhap said Kim Jong Un had registered his candidacy for March 8 parliamentary elections in a further sign the son is poised to become the country's next leader.



North Korean leader Kim Jong Il is reportedly becoming increasingly frail

Jong Un is due to be formally nominated as successor following the elections and is expected to take on key posts after April.

U.S Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has already expressed concerns over a potential power struggle in the country.

She said the Obama administration was deeply concerned that a potential change in Pyongyang's ruling structure could raise already heightened tensions between North Korea and its neighbours.

But Kim Jong II's closest allies and generals have already promised the army's loyalty to the 'country's bloodline'.

Pak Jae Kyong, a senior general in the defence ministry, promised to defend and honour the 'leadership of our supreme commander.'

Jong Un emerged as the favourite to succeed his father over his two elder brothers who are seen as weaker rulers.

The family 's chef Kenji Fujimoto was quoted in The Times as saying it was obvious from a young age that Kim Jong Un would replace his father over his brothers Kim Jong Nam and Kim Jong Chul.

'If power is to be handed over then Jong Un is the best for it,' he said.

'He has superb physical gifts, is a big drinker and never admits defeat.









