South Korea and the United States have reportedly assessed that there is a significant change in the power structure of North Korea although the possibility of the sudden death of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il is low.

A senior official in Seoul said Thursday that Seoul and Washington share the view that there is a meaningful, but subtle change in the basic power structure which has centered around Kim.

The official called the change “very significant”, but failed to elaborate on the change.

The official added that Seoul and Washington are preparing to respond to possible scenarios that may arise due to any change in North Korea regardless of Kim’s death.