Book containing interviews with Kim Jong Ils eldest son to be published

Kim Jong Nam, the eldest son of Kim Jong Il, provides his own frank account of the late North Korean supreme leader, including his fathers reluctance to let any of his sons take power, in a book to hit stores on Jan. 20, an editor in charge at publisher Bungei Shunju Co. said Friday.

IBNA: According to mdn.mainichi.jp, the book by Yoji Gomi, a senior staff writer for the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper, is based on his extensive interviews with Kim Jong Nam and e-mail exchanges between them, the editor said.

In an e-mail in January following Kim Jong Ils funeral on Dec. 28, Kim Jong Nam voiced his opposition to the hereditary transfer of power in reference to his younger brother Kim Jong Uns appointment as new North Korean leader.

Kim Jong Nam is also quoted by Gomi as saying the existing power group will keep holding the reins of power, using the new, young leader as a symbol of North Korea.

In addition, Kim Jong Nam said Kim Jong Il had remarked he would not let any of his sons take power.

Gomi became acquainted with Kim Jong Nam after they happened to meet each other at Beijing Capital International Airport in 2004. Gomi interviewed Kim in Macao and Beijing last year for a total of around seven hours.

Kim recently asked Gomi not to publish his story for now, fearing it would displease Pyongyang, according to the editor.

But Bungei Shunju decided to release it as it is meaningful to deliver Mr. Kim Jong Nams real voice at a time when North Korea is drawing global attention, the editor said.