Taeyoungho "My Analysis Was Off but Doubts Remain... Free Discussion on North Korea Issues Must Take Place"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Tae Young-ho, the elected member of the United Future Party, commented on North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's 'surprise appearance' on the 2nd, saying, "The health rumors that had been circulating have been dispelled for now," but also raised doubts, asking, "Was Kim Jong-un's health really fine during the past 20 days?"

In a statement released that day, Tae said, "It has once again been confirmed that information regarding the personal status of North Korea's top leader is a 'top secret matter,'" expressing this view.

He explained, "Since the initial reports of Kim Jong-un's health issues, I have analyzed the current situation based on cases I experienced during the deaths of Kim Il-sung and Kim Jong-il," adding, "Also, since the personal status of North Korea's top leader is a top secret matter that even the highest-ranking officials such as the Foreign Minister cannot accurately know, I have consistently emphasized the significant limitations in diagnosing the exact situation from outside."

He continued, "However, while various speculations and forecasts about Kim Jong-un's health have been pouring out not only in South Korea but also internationally, the fact that the North Korean authorities have remained silent for a long period is itself unusual. Considering the response manuals issued to North Korean overseas missions in preparation for speculative articles about the North Korean top leader abroad, this North Korean reaction is also peculiar," he pointed out.

Tae stated, "Seeing that Kim Jong-un did not even pay respects at the Kumsusan Sun Palace on the Day of the Sun and remained silent afterward, raising suspicions among North Korean residents and potentially causing strain on the regime, I had analyzed that Kim Jong-un might be in a condition where it is difficult for him to move on his own," but admitted, "As a result, my analysis seems to have been somewhat off."

However, he questioned, "Was Kim Jong-un's health really fine during the past 20 days?" and raised concerns about the vehicle that appeared behind Kim in the photos released today.

He said, "Seeing the vehicle that Kim Jong-il, his father, used during local inspections after surviving a stroke in 2008, when he had difficulty walking even short distances, reappear, my doubts were not completely erased," adding, "This incident has strengthened my resolve to devote more effort to research and analysis on North Korea."

Tae concluded, "My view remains unchanged that various opinions and analyses should continue to be exchanged and free discussions should take place regarding North Korean issues, including any abnormalities in Kim Jong-un's status," and said, "I believe it is right to keep all possibilities open and to conduct diverse discussions and preparations."

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