Kim Han-sol, the son of Kim Jong-nam, has apparently spoken out for the first time since his father's assassination in Malaysia, sparking speculation he has defected with his mother and younger sister.

In a 40-second video released on YouTube by an organisation called by the Cheollima Civil Defence, 21-year-old Mr Kim holds up his passport and speaks briefly in English.

"My name is Kim Han-sol, from North Korea, part of the Kim family", he says. "My father has been killed a few days ago and I am currently with my mother and my sister and we are very grateful to". Mr Kim's subsequent words - seemingly identifying the people or group that assisted his family - are obscured.

"We hope this gets better", he adds with a smile.