North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer, South Korean broadcaster YTN said on Monday, citing information gathered from Chinese and South Korean intelligence sources.

The report fueled speculation about Kim’s health while raising questions about the future of Asia’s only communist dynasty and who will make decisions about its nuclear programmes.

It also comes after a gaunt Kim, who was suspected of suffering a stroke a year ago, made a rare public appearance last Wednesday at a memorial for his father and state founder Kim Il-sung. The stark figure he cast heightened speculation the 67-year-old leader was still ill. Kim’s health is one of the most closely guarded secrets in the reclusive state. There has never been official confirmation of him falling ill. South Korea’s National Intelligence Service declined to confirm the report.