'Ri Sol-ju' Appears After Over a Year, Dispelling Rumors of Personal Issues

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo In-ho] Ri Sol-ju, wife of Kim Jong-un, General Secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, appeared in public for the first time in 1 year and 1 month.

Her reappearance after a long absence, which sparked various rumors, is analyzed as a move to dispel speculation about her personal safety and to express confidence in COVID-19 prevention measures.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The Workers' Party organ, Rodong Sinmun, reported on the 17th that "on the 16th, the birthday of Kim Jong-il, the National Defense Commission Chairman (Kwangmyongsong Day), General Secretary Kim Jong-un and Mrs. Ri Sol-ju watched a commemorative performance at the Mansudae Art Theatre in Pyongyang."

The newspaper also published several photos of the General Secretary and Ri Sol-ju smiling together while watching the performance.

Ri Sol-ju had not appeared publicly since January 25 last year, when she attended a Lunar New Year commemorative performance at the Samjiyon Theatre. This coincided with the outbreak of COVID-19.

Her prolonged absence, including from major events such as the 75th anniversary of the Party's founding on October 10 last year, led to various speculations.

These ranged from concerns about COVID-19 infection to rumors of pregnancy and childbirth, as well as discord. The National Intelligence Service explained on the 16th during a National Assembly Intelligence Committee meeting that "there are no unusual developments, and she is playing well with the children," adding, "It seems she has not appeared due to COVID-19 prevention issues."

Photos of the General Secretary and his wife released by North Korean media that day show no social distancing such as spaced seating inside the theater, and no audience members wearing masks. This is interpreted as an expression of confidence in their quarantine measures.

Meanwhile, it has been confirmed that there are no health issues with the General Secretary, and despite adjustments in the status of Kim Yo-jong, First Deputy Director of the Workers' Party, her practical stature and role remain unchanged.

Kim Byung-gi, Democratic Party member and secretary of the National Assembly Intelligence Committee, stated in a briefing after the public work report the previous day, "The National Intelligence Service reported that there are no health problems with the General Secretary," adding, "He gave direct speeches totaling 9 hours over 3 days at the Party Congress and spoke for 4 consecutive days at the plenary meeting held since the 8th, showing no signs of abnormality, and analysis of his walking speed also shows no issues."

He continued, "Although Kim Yo-jong was excluded from the Political Bureau candidate list and her status was adjusted, it was explained that her practical stature and role have not changed at all."

Additionally, it was confirmed that the English title of the General Secretary has changed from "Chairman," meaning chairman or commissioner, to "President," which means chairman or president.

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