The major News from LBC radio stated that, North Korea’s authoritarian leader Kim Jong-Un has not been seen in public for more than a month, with speculation rife after he missed a major anniversary event.
Is Kim Jong Un ill?
Speculation: Depending on what you read, Mr Kim has gout, has had a stroke, has broken his ankles.
There’s probably a rumour out there somewhere that he’s been fed to the dogs. That, like a similar one a few months ago that he’d fed his own uncle to the dogs, is rubbish.
Fact: He is experiencing ‘discomfort’ according to the country’s state news agency. They haven’t elaborated.
He was seen on state TV walking with a limp in July and August. We know that he’s overweight, that he likes a drink and that he’s a heavy smoker.
Has Kim Jong Un injured himself?
Speculation: There’s a claim that he injured himself during a military visit or that he took part in a military manoeuvre, injuring himself. There’s no evidence to back this up.
Fact: Mr Kim makes regular visits to military units. He is a busy man, making regular highly choreographed public appearances.
For a man who is clearly unfit, it is a punishing schedule.
Has there been a coup in North Korea?
Speculation: Whenever a dictatorial leader in an opaque country goes missing, speculation of a coup will mount.
Fact: There is nothing to suggest a coup.
South Korean government sources have observed ‘business as usual’ inside the country.
The surprise visit of North Korea’s three most senior officials under Kim to South Korea last week doesn’t suggest a coup; on the contrary, it suggests continuity in efforts to improve relations between the two Koreas.
If there was an internal power struggle, a high level visit would be unlikely.
Remember, many countries, including the UK, have embassies in North Korea. Diplomats are as plugged into the country as they can be.
Kim’s sister is in charge?
Speculation: Mr Kim’s younger sister Kim Yo Jong is currently running the country. This follows suggestions that Mr Kim has been grooming the 27-year-old for higher office.
Fact: While no mention has been made of Kim Yo Jong’s role, she is clearly a senior figure in the regime.
In closed countries, the study of photographs is as good an indicator as any of who’s in and who’s out.
She is often seen to be physically close to Mr Kim in photos. It’s perfectly feasible that she would be put in charge if Mr Kim was unwell.
North Korea has finally admitted the existence of concentration camps?
Speculation: It’s been reported that a senior North Korean official finally admitted the existence of concentration camps.
Fact: Earlier this week, a North Korean Foreign Ministry official told reporters that the North did not have prison camps, but he said that “we do have reform through labour detention camps – no, detention centres – where people are improved through their mentality and look on their wrongdoings”.
However, North Korea’s Foreign Minister, Ri Su-yong did recently tell the UN that his country is willing to work on human rights issues.
This follows a damning UN report which accused Kim Jong Un of ‘crimes against humanity’.
Earlier this year, Sky News heard from those who have suffered abuse inside North Korean labour camps.
Source and credit from lbc.co.uk
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