Seoul, (thestates.news) North Korean leader Kim
Jong-un remained out of public view for the 20th consecutive day as
speculations regarding his health and the possible successor persists.
Speculation regarding Kim is rife as Ji Seong-ho, a North Korea defector who
has now been elected as a lawmaker in South Korea claimed on Friday that he is
“99 percent” sure that Kim died after surgery.
Yonhap News Agency quoted Ji as saying that Kim Yo-jong, Kim’s sister and
confidant is likely to succeed him.
Kim Yo-jong has in the last two years been exerting increasing influence over
the country’s politics, she was even seen alongside Kim during his summits with
US President Donald Trump and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.
Kim Jong-un’s last public appearance was on April 11 when he presided over the
politburo meeting of the ruling party. Since then the state controlled media
has carried reports attributed to him handling state affairs but no photo or
video of him has been released.
Kim’s absence from North Korea’s biggest national event -the ceremony to mark
the birth anniversary of Kim Il-sung, his late grandfather and national founder
further fueled speculations regarding his health and discussions about who
would be his possible successor.
36-year-old Kim Jong-un is obese and a heavy smoker, he is believed to be
suffering from several health problems this is the reason why rumors regarding
his health often starts when he is outside public view for a while.(uni)
Kim Jong-un still out of public eye, speculations gain ground
