Cheong Wa Dae "North Korea's Kim Jong-un Judged Not to Have Undergone Surgery... Not Even a 'Simple Procedure'" (Update)

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Suncheon Fertilizer Factory on May 1, Labor Day, according to a report by Korean Central Television on the 2nd. The photo shows Chairman Kim looking confident at the completion ceremony. [Screenshot from Korean Central Television] 2020.5.3 [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Son Sun-hee] The Blue House stated on the 3rd that regarding North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un resuming public activities after 20 days, "We believe that Chairman Kim did not undergo surgery."

A senior Blue House official told reporters that day, "Some reports suggest that his gait has changed or that he is presumed to have had surgery, but what we have disclosed is the same as before, that there are 'no special issues,'" denying suspicions that he underwent a minor procedure.

The official added that while there is a basis for this 'comprehensive judgment,' it is difficult to disclose it publicly.

Regarding the reason why Chairman Kim did not pay respects at the Kumsusan Sun Palace for the first time on April 15, the Day of the Sun, which is Kim Il-sung's birthday, despite no health issues such as surgery, the government refrained from commenting, saying, "It is difficult to reveal the reason," regardless of any analysis.

Meanwhile, concerning the analysis that the fertilizer factory where Chairman Kim appeared after 20 days to dispel 'death rumors' could be mobilized for uranium extraction work for nuclear weapons development, a senior Blue House official said, "We do not place much trust in that."

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