The appointment was confirmed by the Mainichi Shimbun, a Japanese newspaper close to the Stalinist regime. According to sources in the newspaper, the newly-appointed "was assigned an office adjacent to that of his father, the headquarters of the party. Every time there is a problem, the two get together and exclude all others". The possibility of a dichotomy in command in Pyongyang, the sources tell AsiaNews, "is the highest probability for the future."

The lack of food and the disastrous currency reform, says the source, "have exacerbated the population that is eager to blame someone. Catalyzing their hate on a single figure could be very dangerous which is why Kim Jong-il has divided the power between the two children. In this way, he also keeps them better under observation ".  

According to other analysts, however, this appointment could also represent a last-minute change in the choice of a successor to the throne of Pyongyang. The "Dear Leader", in fact, was appointed by his father Kim Il-sung to the same chair now occupied by the 27 year old when he was 27, in the mystique of dynastic power; this could be a signal to the detriment of third son Jong-un.   In any case, doubt will be dissolved in less than one month: April 15, a national holiday celebrating the birth of the "eternal president" Kim Il-sung, the North Korean capital will be hung with portraits of the two leaders. But, internal officials report, for the first time spaces are being made for three portraits: therefore the successor will be announced on that date.