North Korean leader Kim Jong-il apparently has a couple of spitting-image doubles who stand in for him at public appearances.

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Britain's Telegraph said Saturday South Korean intelligence believes the doubles handle routine visits to low-value events while the real Kim actually appears at major occasions.

The doubles have apparently been schooled in Kim's mannerisms and have had plastic surgery to enhance their looks. Kim's trademark bouffant hairstyle is, of course, meticulously copied.

The newspaper said the doubles are used both to foil possible assassins and because Kim is believed to be in poor health.