N.Korean ‘assassins’ were suicidal: S.Korean lawmaker

By Alex Jensen

SEOUL

North Korean "assassins" were ready to take their own lives during the alleged murder of one-time heir to Pyongyang's throne Kim Jong-nam in Malaysia last week, according to a South Korean lawmaker Tuesday.

Conservative politician Ha Tae-keung made the claim based on intelligence from a source who previously worked for Pyongyang's General Reconnaissance Bureau.

Ha said two of four North Korean suspects believed to have escaped Malaysia after Kim's death were "suicidal assassins", local news agency Yonhap reported.

The pair in question were apparently prepared to kill Kim before committing suicide had his alleged poisoning by two female suspects at a Malaysian airport on Feb. 13 failed.

"Surprisingly, the assassination order on Kim Jong-nam was carried out in an extremely elaborate manner," Ha was also quoted as saying.

The eldest son of late former North Korean dictator Kim Jong-il, the victim became openly critical of Pyongyang's regime having lived in effective exile after being frozen out of the reclusive state's power succession.

While Malaysia is yet to confirm the cause of Kim Jong-nam's death, South Korea has blamed the killing on his own half-brother -- North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

But Seoul's unification ministry insisted Tuesday the North's suggestion that Malaysia's investigation may have been tainted by South Korean influence is "preposterous".

North Korean Ambassador to Malaysia Kang Chol earlier said Pyongyang would reject the outcome of Malaysia's ongoing autopsy because the North has been barred from participating.