청와대 "No Such Situation" in Response to Speculation on Kim Jong-un Contingency Plan

Cheongwadae Quells Rumors of Health Issues of Chairman Kim Jong-un... US President Trump Says "I Hope He Is Well"

[Asia Economy Reporters Ryu Jeong-min and Kim Dong-pyo] The Blue House dismissed speculations that a 'contingency plan' is being prepared in response to possible health issues of North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un.

A senior Blue House official told Asia Economy on the 22nd, "There is no such situation," adding, "The Blue House is operating normally as usual." Regarding the rumors about Kim's health, the official said, "It is just a report by some media," and added, "There is no reason for the Blue House to be influenced just because some media reported it."

In this context, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a White House briefing on the 21st (local time) about the rumors of Kim's health issues, "We don't know," and "I hope he is well." Earlier, Fox News cited a defense official saying that the U.S. government has extensive contingency plans in place in case of an emergency involving Kim.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Speculation about Kim's health arose after he did not attend the memorial at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the 15th. North Korea specialist media Daily NK reported, citing internal North Korean sources, that Kim underwent cardiovascular procedures at a dedicated hospital in the Myohyangsan area of North Pyongan Province on the 12th.

U.S. CNN reported that U.S. authorities have confirmed intelligence that Kim underwent cardiovascular surgery and is in grave danger. Although rumors about Kim's critical condition spread rapidly, the Blue House responded calmly and firmly rather than being flustered by the reports.

Blue House spokesperson Kang Min-seok officially stated, "No unusual developments have been identified," and other senior Blue House officials repeated similar remarks.

The Blue House also conveyed to the media that Kim is staying in the provinces with close aides. Furthermore, it reported that no special movements have been observed within the Workers' Party of Korea, the military, or the Cabinet, and that Kim appears to be carrying out normal activities.

Photo by Mun Ho-nam munonam@

While this suggests that the Blue House is tracking Kim's movements, the means by which this information is obtained have not been disclosed. There are also observations that Kim visited a short-range cruise missile launch site near Wonsan on the 14th. However, a senior Blue House official pointed out, "We have never said Wonsan or Myohyangsan, but the media are reporting it that way."

Meanwhile, North Korea has remained silent regarding the rumors about Kim's health. However, the state-run Korean Central News Agency reported on the 21st that Kim sent birthday tables to Ri Sin-ja, former advisor to the Pyongyang City Rural Management Committee, and Ri Si-heup, a researcher at Kim Chaek University of Technology. The date of the birthday table delivery and related photos were not disclosed.

The Rodong Sinmun featured articles about Kim's activities on the front page on the 20th and 21st but did not include any on the 22nd. Whenever rumors about Kim's health have arisen, he has appeared in local guidance activities to demonstrate his vitality, but this time he is showing a different pattern.

Taegumin (Tae Yong-ho), a member-elect of the Future United Party, stated, "In North Korea, even top officials such as the foreign minister cannot know the movements and personal status of the 'Supreme Dignity.' It is impossible for rumors about Kim Jong-un's health to reach as far as the North Korea-China border," but added, "It is very unusual that North Korea is showing no reaction to reports about his health."

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