SEOUL, South Korea — A series of military promotions reinforced the leading role of the armed forces in North Korean political life, as the youngest son and sister of Kim Jong-il, were made four-star generals before a landmark meeting of the Korean Workers’ Party on Tuesday, The New York Times reports

Kim Jong-il was renominated as the head of the party — to a thunderous standing ovation in the Mamsudae Assembly Hall in Pyongyang, according to North Korean state television.

But it was the elevation of his son, Kim Jong-un, that created the real interest and excitement among diplomats and political analysts. His promotion was the first clear and public signal that he has a serious political future in North Korea, and is perhaps on track to succeed his father as leader.

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