NORTH Korean leader Kim Jong Il has life-threatening pancreatic cancer, a news report said yesterday, days after fresh images of him looking gaunt spurred speculation that his health was worsening following a reported stroke last year.

North Korea’s reclusive leader Kim Jong-Il has pancreatic cancer, it was reported today.

A thin-looking Kim Jong Il made a rare public appearance today as North Korea paid solemn respects to his father, the country's late founder, on the 15th anniversary of his death.