China uncovers plot to kill Kim Jong Un's nephew - report

Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, was killed in a chemical attack at Kuala Lumpur airport. Photo / AP

Two North Korean assassins have been caught plotting to murder the son of Kim Jong Un's half brother, who was killed in a chemical attack at Kuala Lumpur Airport in February.

Citing North Korean sources, South Korea's JoongAng Ilbo newspaper said seven agents had been involved in a plot to kill Kim Han Sol, nephew of the North Korean dictator, in Beijing.

Two men were arrested by the Chinese Ministry of National Security but it is thought the remaining agents may still be at large.

The Chinese authorities reportedly detected the plot during heightened security measures introduced around the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party in Beijing last month.

The attempt on Kim Han Sol's life comes as two women, an Indonesian and a Vietnamese, remain on trial in Malaysia for killing his father.

Kim Jong Nam died after two women smeared VX nerve gas on his face.

After his father's death, Kim Han Sol went into hiding with his mother and younger sister.

It is possible that Kim Han Sol and his family remained in China under the protection of Beijing, which also extended protection for his father when he was in the country.

There have been suggestions that Beijing saw Kim Jong Nam as a potential North Korean leader should his half-brother be overthrown.

Apparently wary of a challenge from Kim Jong Nam, analysts believe that Kim Jong Un ordered his assassination. Pyongyang has denied that allegation.

North Korean assassins after Kim Jong Nam's son arrested in Beijing, Joongang reports https://t.co/pRCcmwKgxV Is Kim Han Sol in Beijing??

— Subin Kim (@SubinBKim) October 30, 2017

With Kim Jong Nam dead, Kim Han Sol is one of the few remaining blood lines to the world's only hereditary communist dynasty.

While only in his 20s, Kim Han Sol appears to be very different to the present leader.

He is likely to have incurred the wrath of his uncle after describing him as a "dictator" in a television interview in 2012. He said his ambition was to help the people of North Korea.

Indonesian Siti Aisyah, right, and Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong second left, are escorted by police at Kuala Lumpur Airport in Malaysia. They are on trial for killing Kim Jong Nam. Photo / AP