North Korea displays military might and heir apparent

SECRETIVE North Korea put its leader-in-waiting on display at a massive military parade in Pyongyang, showcasing the youngest son of current ruler Kim Jong-Il in a rare live television broadcast.

Kim Jong-Un, believed aged about 27, stood near his father at the parade, applauding and saluting as thousands of goose-stepping troops marched past along with tanks and trucks carrying missiles and other weaponry.

The parade, one of the largest for years in the hardline communist state, gave many North Koreans their first extensive look at the young heir apparent.