A Japanese daily says two senior officials of North Korea’s spy agency are likely to have ordered the kidnapping of a Japanese couple in 1978.

The Asahi Shimbun quoted a Japanese police officer as saying Tuesday that the two North Korean officials are regarded to be close to North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The paper said it's the first time allegations have been raised against a key aide to the North Korean leader in an abduction case.

The report said the recent development is likely to deal a blow to Tokyo-Pyongyang relations.

According to the major daily, the two North Korean officials are suspected of arranging the kidnapping of a South Korean couple in 1978 as well.