Kim Jong-Il

North Korea's reclusive leader Kim Jong-il has taken his former private secretary as his new wife.

Kim is said to be living with Kim Ok who has been the leader’s private secretary since the 1980s.

South Korea’s Yonhap news agency reported that Ok is now virtually North Korea’s First Lady.

Kim’s purported former wife Ko Young-hee died of cancer two years ago.

The marital status of Kim, who turned 64 in February this year, has never been officially confirmed, Yonhap noted.

It has been widely believed three women have been treated as Kim’s wives.

Kim Ok is said to have accompanied Kim to China last January and has been seen visiting military and industrial sites in North Korea with the leader.

A Yonhap source described Kim’s new wife as "very wise and clever."

Kim has fathered several children. He is said to have at least three sons - one from his relationship with Sung Hae-rim and two from his relationship with Japanese-born Ko Young-hee.

It is not known whether Kim and Kim Ok have any children.