Kim Jong-nam: The unfortunate crown prince’s downfall

Shown is a file photo taken in August 1981 of Kim Jong-nam (R, front row), the half brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, together with his father (L, front row), late North Korean leader Kim Jong-il. A press statement released by the Malaysian police on Feb. 14, 2017, said a 46-year-old North Korean named Kim Chol died the previous day on his way to a hospital from a Malaysia International Airport service counter where he sought initial medical treatment. - The Korea Herald/Asia News Network.

SEOUL: In May 2001, a man was rounded up after trying to smuggle himself into Narita International Airport in Tokyo, alongside his son and two women, using fake Dominican Republic passports.

The incident introduced Kim Jong-nam, the slain older half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, to the outside world. But his yearning 16 years ago to visit Tokyo Disneyland blew his chances to succeed in the reclusive dynasty, incurring the wrath of his father and longtime strongman Kim Jong-il.