Lee said the elder Jong is completely obsessed by developing nuclear power, launching missiles and escalating tension to create the foundation for the development of that power and its transfer to the young Jong.

The intelligence agency of South Korea advised lawmakers that (though Lee didn't mention young Jong by name) Jong Un, lived in Switzerland when he was a teenager, attending a private school there, and was the first choice for taking over the dynasty which has been controlled by communist Korea for over 60 years.

In North Korea, soldiers and school children alike have begun to sing songs praising Jong Un, frequently referred to as "Young General," as reported by aid groups which have contacts in the country.

In a break from tradition, a very brief and amiable interview that was broadcast early this week on TV in Japan, Kim Jong II's oldest son related that his young brother seems to have the countries acceptance. Kim Jong Nam, who is 38, when asked by Nippon TV if he felt Jung Un was going to be successor to Jong II, advised that he "thought so" during an interview on June 6, given in Macau in the street where Jong Nam frequently travels. Jong Nam apparently travels alone, with no security guards.

Son Jong Nam, who is the eldest, was considered to be the likely next in line, lost his chance, apparently, in 2001 after he embarrassed the elder Jong by being discovered attempting to visit Japan using a forged passport. Japanese officials reported that he claimed that he meant to pay a visit to Disneyland in Tokyo.

Jong Nam stated that he had not chance of being future leader to North Korea. He expressed that he felt he was a "lucky person"because of this.