US Media Fuels Kim Jong-un Critical Condition Rumors... Emergency Plans Also Discussed (Comprehensive)

by Paek Jongmin

Published 22 Apr.2020 02:00(KST)

CNN Followed by NBC, Fox, and Others Reporting Citing Government Officials
"Kim's Condition Serious"
US Government Emergency Plans, South Korean Government Denies Rumors
White House Senior Official: "Unaware of Kim's Condition but Monitoring Closely"
Warning to Be Cautious as Information Is Unconfirmed

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy New York=Special Correspondent Baek Jong-min] U.S. media continue to report on the critical condition rumors surrounding Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea. Some outlets have even introduced the U.S. government's contingency plans.

On the 21st (local time), NBC News cited multiple government officials, reporting that Chairman Kim is in a serious condition following surgery and may be unable to exercise his ruling power.

Earlier, CNN reported that after Daily NK's coverage of Kim Jong-un's cardiovascular surgery rumors, U.S. government officials were monitoring the situation, bringing concerns about Kim's health to the forefront. However, NBC also noted that the South Korean government stated there is no basis for the critical condition rumors about Kim.

NBC's report is similar to CNN's. Multiple intelligence sources interviewed by NBC said that Kim recently underwent cardiovascular surgery and has not been seen in public. They also mentioned information suggesting that Kim may be in a coma.

A photo that sparked rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's critical condition. On the occasion of the 108th birthday of North Korean President Kim Il-sung (the Day of the Sun, April 15), high-ranking officials paid tribute on the 15th at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun in Pyongyang, where Kim Il-sung's body is enshrined, the Workers' Party's official newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on its front page on the 16th. Kim Jong-un did not attend this event, raising questions about the background. [Image source=Yonhap News]

The sources also revealed that U.S. intelligence agencies, various government bodies, and the military are actively working to verify Kim's health status.

Regarding this, NBC reported that the South Korean government expressed that there is insufficient evidence, and Geng Shuang, spokesperson for China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, acknowledged awareness of the reports but stated that the sources are unknown, showing a stance different from the U.S. Other foreign media also reported that the Chinese Communist Party denied the accuracy of the reports.

Fox News, citing a defense intelligence official, reported that the U.S. government has extensive plans in place to prepare for Kim Jong-un's incapacitation, considering all possible issues that could arise if Kim were to die.

The official explained that in the event of Kim's incapacitation, a major humanitarian crisis could occur in North Korea, with millions of North Korean residents facing starvation and potentially triggering a large-scale defection.

However, Fox News also mentioned that sources have urged caution regarding the reports of Kim's critical condition. Given the limited information on North Korea, there is a possibility that the reports may not be accurate.

As the controversy spread, the U.S. government also stepped forward. On the same day, Robert O'Brien, U.S. National Security Council (NSC) Advisor, appeared on multiple broadcasts, stating that they do not know Kim's health status and are closely monitoring the situation.

On CNN, Advisor O'Brien said, "We do not know what condition Chairman Kim is in, and we need to see how things develop, so it is too early to comment on it."

In an interview with Fox News, O'Brien added that they are closely watching reports related to Kim, saying, "They are tight-lipped about providing information on many things, including Kim Jong-un's health, so we are monitoring closely."