Pompeo, U.S. Secretary of State, on Kim Jong-un's Health Rumors: "Nothing More to Add"

Maintaining a Cautious Approach While Closely Monitoring the Situation in North Korea

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lim Cheol-young] The U.S. government has stated that it is maintaining a cautious stance regarding rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's health and is closely monitoring the situation.

On the 22nd (local time), Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, during a press conference held at the State Department building, responded to a question about North Korea's reaction by saying, "There is nothing more to add," and added, "As President Trump mentioned last night, we are watching what is happening in North Korea."

Secretary Pompeo's response appears to align with President Trump's earlier remarks. During a briefing on the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), President Trump said, "(Regarding the rumors about Kim's health) no one has confirmed that," and added, "I hope he is healthy."

Meanwhile, U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman John Hyten stated on the same day that it is presumed that Kim Jong-un still maintains full control over North Korea's nuclear and military forces. During a press briefing held at the Department of Defense, he said, "Kim still has full control over North Korea's nuclear and military forces," and added, "We do not have any information to confirm or deny the health rumors."

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