Time magazine says North Korean leader Kim Joing-il's grip on power remains strong despite recent rumors that a major power shift may be imminent in the North.

In its latest issue, the weekly said Kim's leadership position appears to still be solid, quoting western diplomats familar with goings-on in the country and Northern defectors keeping in touch with relatives in the Stalinist state.

Time also quoted other experts as saying the North's recent attempts to downplay the cult of personality aroung Kim probably signals its efforts to implement economic reform and enhance collective leadership.

Additionally, the experts reportedly said the North's latest move to remove Kim Jong-il's portraits from public places signals that Kim's regime is becoming stronger, rather than weaker.