U.S.: Kim Jong Il May Have Suffered Stroke (MSNBC)

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Kim Jong Il at leisure

Speculation over N. Korea leader's health grows after he misses parade

SEOUL, South Korea - A U.S. intelligence official said North Korean leader Kim Jong Il, 66, may have suffered a stroke, the Associated Press reported Tuesday.

A U.S. intelligence official said there is reason to believe Kim Jong Il is sick after he failed to show up at a North Korean national celebration on Tuesday. That official and another U.S. source spoke on condition of anonymity to describe sensitive intelligence gathering.

Earlier, South Korea's largest daily, the Chosun Ilbo, said Kim collapsed last month, citing a South Korean diplomatic source in Beijing.

Kim has not been seen in public for a month and U.S. officials were closely watching the day's military parade for signs to the leader's health. As leader, Kim attended parades for the 50th and 55th anniversary of the state founded by his father, Kim Il-sung.

North Koreans call Kim the "Dear Leader" and he holds absolute power in the Stalinist regime.