SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - The decision on who will become North Korea’s next leader may not be final yet despite reports that Kim Jong Il has tapped his youngest son to succeed him, South Korea’s defense chief said Tuesday.

Who will take over as ruler of nuclear-armed North Korea after Kim has been the focus of intense speculation since the 67-year-old reportedly suffered a stroke last August.

South Korea’s spy agency told lawmakers that Pyongyang notified its diplomatic missions and government agencies overseas that 26-year-old Kim Jong Un, the youngest of Kim’s three sons, will inherit the leadership of the communist nation.

But Defense Minister Lee Sang-hee told the National Assembly that current intelligence suggests that a final decision has not been made. He did not elaborate on the intelligence.

His comments added to the murky succession drama in the reclusive country. The conflicting assessments come amid tensions over the North’s May 25 nuclear test and signs that the regime is preparing to test-fire short- or medium-range missiles, or even a long-range missile, in violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions.

Pyongyang has issued a no-sail zone through July 10 in waters off its east coast for "military drills."

Kim Jong Il has controlled the impoverished nation of 24 million with absolute authority since his father’s death in 1994. Regional powers fear instability and a power struggle if he dies without naming a successor. North Korea has denied Kim was ever ill, but he appeared gaunt in an April appearance at parliament.

Lee told lawmakers that South Korea’s military was keeping a close watch on Kim’s health amid possible signs his condition has worsened.

On Monday, the Chosun Ilbo said a photo of Kim that aired on North Korean state TV in mid-June appeared to be a doctored version of one published in April. Unidentified intelligence officials said there was a "a high possibility" the April image was recycled, sparking renewed concerns about his health, the report said.