US Joint Chiefs Vice Chairman "Kim Jong-un Presumed to Have Complete Control of Power"

Mentioned No Issues with Kim's Power Base
Regarding Health, "No Knowledge"
Pompeo State Dept "I Have Nothing More to Add"
US Media Focuses on Reports of 'Kim Jong-un Sending Special Forces to Syria'

[Asia Economy New York=Correspondent Baek Jong-min] A senior U.S. official suggested that there is likely no special abnormality regarding the personal status of Kim Jong-un, Chairman of the North Korean State Affairs Commission.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 22nd (local time), U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman John Hyten stated in a press briefing, "I estimate that (Chairman Kim) still has full control over North Korea's nuclear forces and military." He added, "There is no reason for me to assume otherwise (that he does not have full control)."

This observation by a U.S. government official was the first official statement addressing the controversy that spread after CNN's report on Kim's critical condition and his absence from the Day of the Sun event, which marks the birthday of former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung. The day before, President Trump also responded to questions about Kim's condition during a press conference by saying, "I don't know. I hope he is well."

White House National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien also said the previous day that he did not know Kim's condition and was closely monitoring how the situation was unfolding.

However, Vice Chairman Hyten did not make any special remarks about Kim's health. He said, "I can say that I do not have anything to confirm or deny regarding such matters based on the information I have."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also responded to questions about Kim's health at a State Department press briefing that day by saying, "I have nothing to add."

He continued, "As the President said last night, we are closely watching what is happening there (in North Korea), but I have nothing to add," showing a cautious stance.

U.S. media also paid attention to the report by the Korean Central News Agency that day, which covered Kim sending a congratulatory message to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on the Day of the Sun. This was perceived as indirect evidence that Kim's power and rule remain intact. The Rodong Sinmun's publication of an article emphasizing self-reliance on the same day was also interpreted as a sign of Kim's continued presence.

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