The South Korean government says it's almost certain that North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is seriously ill.

A senior official who requested anonymity said Wednesday that by all indications, Kim seems to have collapsed due to illness.

The official said relevant government agencies are in the process of completing a comprehensive assessment of the situation in the North and will make an official announcement soon.

President Lee Myung-bak held an emergency meeting with his senior aides on the rumored illness of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

A presidential official said Chief of Staff Chung Chung-kil was scheduled to preside over the meeting, but Mr. Lee decided to chair the meeting himself. The office is concerned after confirming Kim’s absence from ceremonies held to mark the 60th birthday of the North Korean regime.

Another senior presidential official said the presidential office and government are reviewing the latest information on the North, although he declined to confirm some media reports that are saying the North Korean leader had a stroke. He added that other sectors of the North are continuing to function normally.

The presidential office added that it will continue to keep a close eye on the situation.