TOKYO - NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il is suffering from a 'serious disorder' of the pancreas, a Japanese television network reported on Friday, quoting a South Korean intelligence official.

The 67-year-old's condition has been the focus of much speculation since he reportedly suffered a stroke last August.

The TBS network reported that Mr Kim has been resting and is being treated at his villa in the south-easten area of Wonsan by a team specialists.

The unidentified official told TBS Mr Kim would be aware of the disorder which was made known to US and South Korean intelligence authorities in March.

Mr Kim is believed to have been receiving treatment since he attended the first meeting of the country's new parliament in April, the official was quoted as saying.

In that month, he was shown in video footage by state media for the first time since August. He appeared to have lost weight in the film.

On Wednesday, a gaunt-looking Kim made a rare televised appearance as he paid homage to his late father Kim Il Sung at a national memorial service. The film showed Mr Kim's hair was thinning and he had developed a slight limp. -- AFP