North Korea's leader, Kim Jong-il, has designated his youngest son to be the country's next leader.

The news come from reports in South Korean media, the BBC announced.

Two newspapers and an opposition lawmaker said South Korea's spy agency had briefed legislators on the move.

North Korean officials were reportedly told to support Kim Jong-un after the North's 25 May nuclear test.

There has been much speculation over who would follow Kim, who is thought to have suffered a stroke last year.

Analysts have said the North's recent military actions, including last week's nuclear test, may have been aimed at helping Kim solidify power so that he could name a successor, the BBC suggested.

Little is known about Kim Jong-il's youngest son, who is thought to have been born in 1983 or early 1984. The North is teaching its people a song lauding Kim Jong-un - who reportedly enjoys skiing and studied English, German and French at a Swiss school.

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