Seoul denies rumors on top-level asylum bid

By Lee Tae-hoon

Senior government officials denied speculation Thursday that Kim Jong-nam, elder half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has requested political asylum in South Korea.

“Rumors of Kim Jong-nam’s asylum request have turned out to be based on a misleading message circulating on social media,” a Ministry of Unification official said.

“We have yet to receive intelligence suggesting that he will defect to South Korea.”

A Cheong Wa Dae official also ruled out the possibility that Jong-nam has expressed any intent to defect.

The 41-year-old has lived a life of reclusive luxury in Macau, allegedly under the protection of the Chinese government, since he was caught in 2001 trying to enter Japan on a fake passport.

A local media outlet reported Thursday that Kim has requested asylum in a foreign country and that he is under the custody of the South Korean government.

Jong-un, who succeeded their father Kim Jong-il as head of the communist regime, reportedly plotted an assassination attempt on his elder brother.

Some say that Jong-nam may seek asylum if Jong-un, believed to be in his late 20s, does not guarantee him a secure life abroad.

They say it will be unlikely for Jong-nam to return to North Korea or hold any significant title under his brother’s reign as it could be interpreted as a challenge to him.