South Korean intelligence officials say North Korea's leader Kim Jong Il has suffered a stroke, but is recovering.
A South Korean lawmaker, Won Hye-young, tells reporters the disclosure was made today, Wednesday at a closed door session with officials from the National Intelligence Service. Won says lawmakers were told that Mr. Kim is not fit for public activities, but he is conscious.
The revelations are a sharp contrast to comments earlier today from North Korean officials who deny Mr. Kim is ill, and called reports about his condition part of a "conspiracy."
Speculation over Mr. Kim's health intensified on Tuesday after he missed the 60th anniversary celebration of North Korea's founding.
Questions about his health were already circulating as North Korean
media have not reported on any public appearance by Mr. Kim since
mid-August.