South Korea’s intelligence chief says North Korean leader, Kim Jong-il, who reportedly suffered a stroke last month, has recovered somewhat.

Grand National Party lawmaker Lee Chul-woo on Tuesday quoted National Intelligence Service Director Kim Sung-ho as saying that the North Korean leader has "slightly recovered."

The spy chief made the remarks before the parliamentary intelligence committee.

Regarding reports that Pyongyang had asked the International Atomic Energy Agency to remove cameras and seals placed at its main atomic facilities, the intelligence chief said that it is possible but that he cannot be fully sure.