FM: U.S. yet to recognize Kim Jong Un

SEOUL, Dec. 23 (UPI) -- South Korea's foreign minister, commenting on local media reports, said Friday the United States is yet to recognize North Korea's new leader, Kim Jong Un.

North Korean authorities have been calling Kim the communist country's next leader, succeeding his father Kim Jong Il, who died last week.

Since not much is known about the younger Kim, who is believed to be in his late 20s, there is concern in neighboring countries about whether his father's death could lead to a power struggle in the North.

Some South Korean media organizations speculated the United States may have "virtually" recognized Kim Jong Un after the White House referred to him as "official successor," the Yonhap News agency reported.

However, Foreign Minister Kim Sung-hwan told a Parliament hearing the local media should not read too much into the White House statement, Yonhap reported.

"I think it was not an expression that the United States recognizes the North's new leadership, but the media's interpretation," the minister said. "North Korea's leadership has also yet to make a decision on what title should be given to Kim Jong Un."

Earlier, White House press secretary Jay Carney, responding to a question about a possible power-sharing agreement in North Korea, told reporters the United States is monitoring the situation closely.

"Kim Jong Il had designated Kim Jong Un as his official successor, and at this time we have no indication that that has changed," Carney said. He said it was hoped the new North Korean leadership would take steps to support peace and a better future for North Koreans that includes acting on commitments to denuclearization.

Carney said he was not aware of any communication from the North Korean government or its intermediaries.