( CNN ) -- A report in South Korean media is fueling the ongoing speculation about the deteriorating health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il . Kim Jong Il , seen in an undated state-issued photo , has made only two public appearances since August . YTN News , citing unidentified intelligence sources in South Korea and China , reported Monday that the 67-year-old leader has pancreatic cancer . South Korea 's Unification Ministry flatly denied the report , which comes a week after a frail-looking Kim appeared in public for the first time in months . Doctors told South Korea 's state-run Yonhap News Agency that it is impossible to tell the status of Kim 's health from the recent video of the reclusive leader . Kim appeared at a July 8 ceremony to commemorate the 15th anniversary of his father 's death . He seemed frail and gaunt as he walked into the service flanked by senior party and military officials . North Korea 's official KCNA news agency has routinely criticized the Western media for erroneously exaggerating the status of Kim 's health . Last week 's appearance was his second since he was widely reported to have suffered a stroke in August . Kim was seen in April when he was reappointed as chairman of North Korea 's military board . His recent health problems and long absence from public functions have prompted speculation on whether he was ready to groom an heir . The rules governing transfer of power in the secretive communist nation are unclear , but it is widely believed that Kim 's youngest son , Kim Jong Un , will succeed him . Facts about North Korea » . In April , the North Korean leader named Kim Jong Un and brother-in-law Chang Sung Taek to the country 's powerful National Defense Commission . Chang , who is married to Kim Jong Il 's sister , has effectively run the country in the wake of the leader 's health problems , according to TIME Magazine . Chang is `` the bridge from Kim Jong Il to Kim Jong Un , '' according to Baek Seung Joo , who watches North Korea at the Korea Institute for Defense Analysis , who spoke to TIME Magazine last month .
Media reports , including unconfirmed reports , claim Kim Jong Il has died . South Korea 's Health Ministry denies claims of illness . Transfer of power rules unclear , but youngest is expected to be next at helm .