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N. Korea Signals Rise of Kim's Uncle

Jang Song Thaek appears in public dressed as general

By Polly Davis Doig, Newser Staff

Posted Dec 25, 2011 9:29 AM CST

(Newser) – Pyongyang was busily hailing Kim Jong Un as its "Supreme Commander" yesterday, but today's spotlight in the who's-running-North-Korea spectacle is on Kim's uncle, Jang Song Thaek, reports Reuters. Seems official state media are running photos of Jang dressed as a general, in what many are interpreting as a sign of his growing influence. It's the first time that Jang, who is married to Kim Jong Il's younger sister, has appeared in military garb, and might indicate he's secured a top spot in the coalition that's rumored to be sharing power with Kim Jong Un.

This file picture on January 18, 2009 shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Il inspecting the Mt. Ryongak Recreation Ground in Pyongyang with Jang Song Thaek. (Getty Images)

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, image, Kim Jong Un, with military officials, pays respects to his late father at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/KRT via APTN)

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, image, Kim Jong Un, with military officials, pays respects to his late father at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/Korean Central News Agency via Korea News Service)

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011, image, Kim Jong Un, with military officials, pays respects to his late father at Kumsusan Memorial Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea. (AP Photo/KRT via APTN)

In this Saturday, Dec. 24, 2011 image, Kim Jong Un, and, at far left, his uncle, Jang Song Thaek. (AP Photo/KRT via APTN)

In this March 28, 2006 file photo, Jang Song Thaek, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's brother-in-law and first vice director of the Workers' Party of Korea. (AP photo/Kyodo News, File)

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N. Korea Signals Rise of Kim's Uncle

Jang Song Thaek appears in public dressed as general

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