The health of North Korea’s leader Kim Jong Un is one of the state’s most closely guarded secrets. It is known by a handful of people in the inner circle of leadership. North Korea tightly controls any information surrounding its leader. Speculations abound that Kim Jong Un underwent a medical procedure and is in grave danger. This happened after his unprecedented absence from events last week marking his grandfather’s birthday.
Kim didn’t attend April 15 celebrations for the birthday of his grandfather and state founder Kim Il-sung. It is celebrated as one of the biggest days on the North Korean calendar.
As reported by a source to CNN, The US is also monitoring intelligence reports that Kim may be in grave danger after a surgery. The White House declined to comment on the CNN report.
Daily NK, an online newspaper based in South Korea that focuses on North Korea, reports that Kim reportedly received a cardiovascular system procedure on April 12. The surgery was due to excessive smoking, obesity, and overwork. The report further adds that Kim is now receiving treatment in a villa in Hyangsan County following his procedure.
The Unification Ministry said that it was “inappropriate” to speculate about the reasons for Kim’s absence. Kim has made 17 public appearances this year that were mentioned in state media they said in a statement.
The COVID-19 Pandemic is also a major cause of concern in North Korea. The country has been battling to prevent a coronavirus outbreak, which has led to cutting back on celebrations.
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