NK Leader’s Son in Beijing Raises Eyebrows

North Korean leader Kim Jong-il’s eldest son, Kim Jong-nam, 37, is raising the eyebrows of North Korean observers for his frequent “encounter” with news outlets for the past few days, Dong-A Ilbo reported Saturday.

The son, who came to Beijing on Sept. 11 from Pyongyang, has been since seen in the city’s trendy downtown, Wangfujing, on Sept. 16. A day later, he was again seen in a glitzy hotel lobby and was filmed by a Japanese TV.

Unlike his past practice, the son also frequently used a North Korean embassy vehicle, which could be easily identified.

Observers suspect whether his conspicuous move was “intentional,” aimed at dispelling the widespread suspicions on his father’s alleged illness.

The son’s arrival in Beijing was interpreted by some as a sign of improvement of his father’s condition.