Who Are North Korea's Rising Powers

Kim Jong-il, left, with his sister Kim Kyong-hui immediately behind. Photograph: AP

Kim Jong-il's Down Escalator Shows North Korea's Rising Powers -- The Guardian

Kim Kyong-hui, Kim Jong-il's sister, and her husband, Jang Song-thaek, could hold the key to the new leadership

The last photograph taken of Kim Jong-il before his death shows North Korea's former leader, wrapped up against the cold, descending an escalator in a supermarket.

But the real point of interest lies not in the dimly lit shop or drab displays of canned food – this is North Korea, after all – but the party of people behind him.

Standing behind him, and in front of the officials, are his son and two people who could determine the course of the country's leadership in these delicate, early days of transition.

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Update: The power behind the throne in North Korea -- Reuters

My Comment: The above picture is a rather revealing portrait of who is who in North Korea's ruling elite.What is my take .... Jang Song-thaek will be calling the shots.