Seoul (dpa) – North Korean state television on Sunday broadcast footage of the uncle of new leader Kim Jong Un in a military uniform with a general's insignia, indicating he will play a key role in supporting the country's heir. The footage showed Jang Song Thaek alongside Kim as they paid their respects to Kim's father Kim Jong Il as he lies in state in a glass coffin at the Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang. The coffin is covered by a red flag and surrounded by red and white flowers. It is the first time Jang Song Thaek, the 65-year-old husband of the sister of late leader Kim Jong Il, has been shown on television wearing a military uniform, according to South Korean media. It remained unclear, however, whether he had been promoted. Jang has long been regarded as a stalwart of the communist regime in Pyongyang and a mentor to Kim Jong Un, who is thought to be around 27. State media hailed Kim Jong Un as “supreme commander” of the armed forces for the first time on Saturday. His father had been preparing him to take over, appointing him a four-star general last year. The country's Songun policy, which gives the military top priority, means a senior military rank is essential for success in politics. Kim Jong Il died Saturday of a heart attack at the age of 69, state media announced Monday. He had ruled the country for 17 years. BM ShortURL: http://goo.gl/E6Olt Tags: Kim Jong Un, North Korea, State Media Section: Latest News
