about the health of Kim Jong Il. The North Korean leader remained out of sight for a number of significant occasions, including the launch of a long-range rocket that angered the international community.

VOA: standard.2009.12.30

It was a rare sight Friday in the South Korean capital: Senior North Korean envoys approached a memorial to former President Kim Dae-jung with a giant funeral bouquet bearing the name of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.

VOA: standard.2009.08.21

Kim and the North Korean leader Kim Jong Il held a historic summit in the North Korean capital Pyongyang in June.

CNN: South Korean president wins Nobel Peace Prize

When it was announced two months ago, the summit between South Korean President Kim Dae Jung and North Korean leader Kim Jong Il drew much skepticism.

CNN: Editorial: Korea's Triumph

Kim Jong Il, the North Korean leader, has published an open letter calling for better relations with the South.

ECONOMIST: Rumblings from across the razor wire