The Times of London says the brother-in-law of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is running the Stalinist country.

The British daily said Seoul officials and experts have received intelligence suggesting that Chang Sung Taek, who runs the North's secret police, is making key decisions while the “Dear Leader” convalesces.

Choi Jin-wook of the Korea Institute for National Unification in Seoul said Chang is in control and is leading North Korea.

Other important figures consulted Chang even when Kim’s helath was fine, and he will probably keep Kim’s policy line even if Kim dies, Choi said.

The Times said Choi declined to describe the source of the information about Chang, saying it is impossible to verify the source independently.