Kim Jong Un seems to be consolidating position

North Korean leader Kim Jong Il's youngest son seems to be consolidating his position as his father's successor one year after he was appointed to a key post.

Kim Jong Un was named vice-chairman of the Central Military Commission of the ruling Korean Workers' Party on September 28th last year.

He has accompanied his father on tours around the country, and they attended a military parade together on North Korea's foundation day on September 9th.

Kim Jong Un joined his father in a meeting with the visiting Laotian President Choummaly Sayasone last Friday.

North Korea's state-run media are releasing photos and videos that focus on the young Kim.

But Kim Jong Un has yet to make any domestic tour on his own or visit other countries. None of his remarks have been published and his recorded voice has not been heard by the public.

The North Korean leadership is expected to publicize his achievements ahead of next year's 100th anniversary of the birth of his grandfather and the country's founder, Kim Il Sung.