( CNN ) -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has added his brother-in-law to a military board in a move analysts say paves the way for an heir , according to South Korea 's state-sponsored Yonhap news agency . Kim Jong-il has named his brother-in-law Jang Song Thaek to a top military board . The addition of his kin to the powerful National Defense Commission also solidifies his standing , Yonhap said . Kim was reappointed Thursday as chairman of the military board in his first major public appearance since a reported stroke in August . His brother-in-law , Jang Song Thaek , is considered his right-hand man , according to Yonhap . Jang , who has been married to Kim 's sister since 1972 , currently serves as a director of the Workers ' Party , Yonhap said . `` Kim wants to keep the military in check and secure loyalty to both the military and the party , '' Cha Doo-hyeogn , a North Korea expert , told Yonhap . Kim also increased the number of members in the military agency to 13 , from eight , Yonhap said . `` Overall , the power of the National Defense Commission was strengthened , '' Seoul 's Unification Ministry spokesman , Kim Ho-nyoun , told Yonhap in a briefing . There were no other major changes in the new parliament , which signifies that Kim , 67 , is prepared to maintain the status quo as he readies someone to take over from him , analysts told Yonhap . Kim 's recent health problems and long absence from public functions have prompted speculation on whether he is ready to groom an heir to the world 's only communist dynasty . But the secretive nation shields its internal affairs from international scrutiny . Analysts told Yonhap that Jang may serve as caretaker for Kim 's successor , who will possibly be one of his three sons .
North Korean leader Kim Jong-il added his brother-in-law to a military board . Analysts say move paves the way for an heir to be named . Jang Song Thaek is considered to be Kim 's right-hand man .