CNN "North Korea's Kim Jong-un in critical condition after surgery," citing US government officials

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The U.S. government is closely monitoring information that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is in serious danger after undergoing surgery, CNN reported on the 20th (local time), citing U.S. officials.

CNN stated that it requested statements from the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the National Security Council (NSC), and the State Department, and also asked the South Korean government for a response. The last time Kim appeared in public was on the 11th. However, concerns about his health arose when he did not appear during the visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the 15th, the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung's birthday). This was the first time Kim did not pay respects on the Day of the Sun since coming to power in 2012.

Earlier on the same day, the North Korea-focused media outlet Daily NK reported, citing local sources, that Kim underwent cardiovascular procedures on the 12th at Hyangsan Clinic, a hospital exclusively for the Kim family located in the Myohyangsan area of North Pyongan Province, and is currently receiving treatment while staying at a nearby villa.

Following the CNN report, the South Korean stock market plunged and the won-dollar exchange rate rose. As of 10:57 a.m. that day, the KOSPI index was trading at 1,872.40, down 1.37% from the previous trading day, while the won-dollar exchange rate was trading at 1,233.68, up 1.09%.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.