Kim Jong-un is alive: North Korean leader resurfaces at factory opening after 20-day absence amid health rumors
The medical condition of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has not been officially verified since reports of his death emerged globally. Some reported that the dictator died after a botched heart surgery while others stated that he was hurt during one of his missile tests that were conducted secretly. In fact, Chinese journalist Shijian Xingzou claimed that according to a very solid source, Kim Jong-un was dead. However, since the beginning, South Korean officials have said that Kim Jong-un is not dead or in a vegetative state.
North Korea's state news agency KCNA reported on Saturday (KST) that Kim Jong Un was present at the completion of a fertilizer plant located north of the capital Pyongyang. This is his first public appearance in 20 days.
South Korean news agency, Yonhap, also reported that "N.K. leader reemerges from 20-day absence amid rumors over his health." The report stated, "Kim attended a ceremony marking the completion of a fertilizer plant in Sunchon, South Phyongan Province." He was supposedly attending the completion ceremony of Suncheon Fertilizer Plant and some reports state that he attended the ceremony with his sister, however, no pictures of the same were taken. North Korea is yet to take an official stance about the speculations surrounding Kim Jong-un's health.
Earlier, speaking about the North Korean leader and the status of his health, South Korean President Moon Jae-in's foreign policy advisor Chung-in Moon said that Kim had been staying in Wonsan since April 13 and that there have been no suspicious movements since.
"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 canceled because of coronavirus concerns," South Korea's minister for North Korean affairs said.
He also added, "I don’t think that’s particularly unusual given the current (coronavirus) situation." The official had cited how Kim had disappeared for 20 days at least twice since January, so this couldn't be considered out of place for the North Korean leader.
Meanwhile, rumors of his death have been spread far and wide. A Japanese media outlet had also claimed Kim was in a vegetative state. An image of a glass coffin, which could have been doctored, also went viral as it seemed to portray Kim lying beneath a red blanket with his head on a pillow.