Fear of catching the coronavirus could have kept North Korean leader Kim Jong Un away from state ceremonies for a key holiday in mid-April, a South Korean minister said as speculation swirled over Kim’s whereabouts and health via HeeShin joshjonsmith
SEOUL - Fear of catching the coronavirus could have kept North Korean leader Kim Jong Un away from state ceremonies for a key holiday in mid-April, a South Korean minister said on Tuesday as speculation swirled over Kim’s whereabouts and health.
“It is true that he had never missed the anniversary for Kim Il Sung’s birthday since he took power, but many anniversary events including celebrations and a banquet had been cancelled because of coronavirus concerns,” the unification minister told a parliamentary hearing. South Korean officials emphasise they have detected no unusual movements in North Korea and have cautioned against reports that Kim may be ill. [nL3N2CF1CN]
But if Kim Jong Un is hiding out due to fears surrounding COVID-19, it would “puncture a hole in the state media narrative of how this crisis has been perfectly managed”, said Chad O’Carroll, CEO of Korea Risk Group, which monitors North Korea.
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Heir unapparent: If North Korea faces succession, who might replace Kim?North Korea has never announced who would follow leader Kim Jong Un in the event he is incapacitated, and with no details known about his young children, analysts say his sister and loyalists could form a regency until a successor is old enough to take over.
Read more »
Heir unapparent: If North Korea faces succession, who might replace Kim?Each change at the top in North Korea has raised the prospect of a leadership vacuum or collapse of the Kim dynasty, which has ruled the country since its founding in 1948. The following are key figures in the North Korean leadership circle and what role they may play in any transition.
Read more »
South Korea maintains Kim Jong Un health rumors are untrueA top South Korean official says his country is confident there have been no “unusual developments” in North Korea, suggesting that rumors about the possible ill health of leader Kim Jong Un are untrue
Read more »
Report: South Korea Says Kim Jong Un Is 'Alive And Well'South Korean officials said that North Korea’s leader, Kim Jong Un, is “alive and well” amid widespread rumors that he died or is critically ill following a heart procedure by lisettevoytko
Read more »