July 16 (Bloomberg) -- North Korea has begun making a series of documentaries praising the life of leader Kim Jong Il, whose gaunt appearance at a July 8 ceremony reinforced speculation he’s suffering from a terminal illness.

The multi-episode “I Will Add Glory to Korea” chronicles Kim’s birth and childhood, the communist nation’s official Korean Central News Agency said late yesterday. While state media has previously glorified his life, the latest documentary follows intelligence reports he’s preparing to transfer power to a son after suffering a stroke last year.

“I think Kim Jong Il may have decided to make the final cut of the documentary outlining his life while he is still physically able to do so,” said Yang Moo Jin, a professor at the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul. “He considers himself an expert on movie making.”

Kim, 67, may be suffering from pancreatic cancer, South Korea’s YTN cable news channel said on July 13. A South Korean intelligence official who asked not to be identified confirmed that he was aware of such reports.

The latest documentary contains “impressive scenes” detailing Kim’s experiences in establishing the North Korean nation, KCNA said.

Kim has made two major public appearances this year, including one last week to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the death of his father, the nation’s founder Kim Il Sung. Kim walked with a limp on footage broadcast by state television and his hair appeared thinner and grayer compared with three months ago as he observed a gathering attended by top leaders.

To contact the reporter on this story: Heejin Koo in Seoul at hjkoo@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: July 15, 2009 21:28 EDT