North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s unprecedented absence from his grandfather’s birthday celebrations had sparked speculation that he could be in critical health after undergoing a medical procedure.
The leader could be in “grave danger after a surgery,” CNN reported, citing a US intelligence official.
The Daily NK, a Seoul-based website, reported that Kim underwent a “cardiovascular surgical procedure” and was now mostly recovered. The Daily NK gets information from select local people inside the isolation nation, and the report could not be verified as it is based on one person inside North Korea.
Kim’s health, which is a closely guarded secret, raised eyebrows after he didn’t appear on April 15 celebrations for grandfather Kim Il Sung’s birthday.
Kim has reportedly made just 17 public appearances this year compared to 84 last year.
Kim’s sister Kim-Yo Jong is believed to be in charge currently.
The 36-year-old leader is believed to be a heavy smoker. Obesity and overwork could be reasons behind the reported cardiovascular problem.
However, another report suggests that Kim could just be away from public places because of the coronavirus pandemic.
