N. Korea Signals Rise of Kim's Uncle

Jang Song Thaek appears in public dressed as general
By Polly Davis Doig,  Newser Staff
Posted Dec 25, 2011 9:29 AM CST
Kim Jong Un's Uncle Jang Song Thaek Appears Dressed as General
This file picture on January 18, 2009 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il inspecting the Mt. Ryongak Recreation Ground in Pyongyang with Jang Song Thaek.   (Getty Images)

Pyongyang was busily hailing Kim Jong Un as its "Supreme Commander" yesterday, but today's spotlight in the who's-running-North-Korea spectacle is on Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, reports Reuters. Seems official state media are running photos of Jang dressed as a general, in what many are interpreting as a sign of his growing influence. It's the first time that Jang, who is married to Kim Jong Il's younger sister, has appeared in military garb, and might indicate he's secured a top spot in the coalition that's rumored to be sharing power with Kim Jong Un. (More North Korea stories.)

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