“Prolonged silence around sick Kim Jong-un unusual” Abroad

South Korean media reported on Tuesday that Kim is struggling with health following medical treatment for cardiovascular disease last week. But the office of the President of South Korea then reported that there is no evidence that Kim is seriously ill.

The United States said it would monitor the situation closely. President Donald Trump said he did not know how Kim was doing. “I hope he is doing well. We will hear how he is. “

State media in North Korea reported reports of Kim’s performance on Wednesday, using older or undated statements by the leader about the economy, for example. State channel KCNA and the newspaper Rodong Sinmun both did not report on Kim’s health status.

Thae Yong Ho, former North Korea vice ambassador to London who defected to South Korea, says the prolonged silence in the state media is unusual, as it is normally quick to counter rumors of leadership status to speak. “Whenever there are doubts about Kim, North Korea takes action within a few days to demonstrate that he is alive and healthy.”

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