SEOUL: North Korea's top leader

is reportedly to be in a 'vegetative state' as his health appears could be more serious than initially believed, Japanese media reported.

Earlier this week, the North Korean leader was gravely ill following heart surgery.

Media reports said that China had dispatched a team to North Korea to advise on Kim's health.

However, the reports about Kim's health are disputed as North Korea has not made any official statement regarding it.

The

's

departed for North Korea on Thursday. Those involved are keeping quiet about the nature of the trip, and even the sources that reported on the trip are keeping quiet regarding what it means for Kim's current state, Japanese media reported.