[Update:] The Korea Times reports that South Korean NIS chief Kim Sung Ho told the National Assembly today that Kim Jong Il had surgery related to a stroke and indeed, this is why he hasn't been seen since August 14th and why the 60th birthday celebrations were scaled down. Read more here.

 [Original Post:] Is he sick? Did he stroke out? Is the diabetes flaring up? Has he caught an early Autumn cold? Is he dead, and are we looking at a double?

Speculation continues to abound as to the whereabouts and general health of North Korea's Major Domo, Kim Jong Il (KJI) and whether or not he has kicked the bucket in light of his diabetes, heart disease, awesome hair style, or all of the above.

It all started with this article in August from Japan stating that KJI was indeed dead and the rest of us had been dealing with a double.

The Times Online got in on the act suggesting that we were in fact looking at a double given that American and Japanese intellegence agencies had noted variously that KJI had grown or shrunk, had gained or lost weight and that a voice print sample taken at a North Korea - Japan summit between Kim and then Japanese PM Koizumi didn't match a control sample. (The Japanese apparently failed to follow up on this fearing the exposure of their inability to spot a faux Kim when presented with one.)

The venerable New York Times added it's voice to the confusion noting that Kim was "Very Ill" according to US officials and hadn't been seen at yesterday's big parade celebrating the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea.

Now that's a chorus line!

Given that Kim had been to the previous 10 parades and being that both he and 60 are both good round numbers it does seem a bit strange.

Finally The Marmot points to a Wa-Po article that looks at what might happen if indeed KJI has gone to the Great Socialist paradise in the Sky.

(Parade Photos: AP / NYT Kim Jong Il Illustration: Expatriate Games)