North Korean leader Kim Jong-il has reportedly lived with his former secretary since his third wife died of cancer in 2004.

Quoting sources close to the North, the Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency said Sunday that Kim has lived for the past two years with Kim Ok, who became his personal secretary in the 1980s.

The report said Kim Ok is the North's de facto first lady, as she frequently accompanies the North Korean leader on visits to military bases and in meetings with visiting foreign dignitaries.

Yonhap said she also traveled with Kim on his secret trip to China in January, when she was received by Chinese officials as his wife.