South Korea's newspapers have been full of frantic speculation over the health of Kim Jong-il, the Stalinist dictator of North Korea.

Kim was photographed meeting the Chinese foreign minister in the North Korean capital Pyongyang earlier in the week.

Newspapers in the South commented on his physical condition. "Emaciated Kim Jong-il," said the Dong-a Ilbo. "The 66-year-old North Korean leader looked thinner, with serious hair loss and dry skin," said Chosun Ilbo, the nation's leading conservative daily.

Both papers suggested Kim's appearance confirmed reports that he had been seriously unwell. He is known to be diabetic and it is thought he may have had heart by-pass surgery this year.

Kim's possible illness sheds new light - and concern - over his recent agreement to close down the North's nuclear weapons programme. Should he die suddenly, the succession is unclear. While some say his second son will take over, others predict a cabal of military officers will assume control.