The U.S. is monitoring positive developments out of North Korea amid rumors that rotund leader Kim Jong Un, is ailing after following a cardiovascular procedure, according to CNN.
Kim recently missed the celebration of his grandfather’s birthday on April 15, which raised speculation about his well-being.
Kim last appeared in North Korean state media on April 11. April 15 — North Korea’s most important holiday, the anniversary of the birth of the country’s founding father, Kim Il Sung — came and went without any official mention of Kim Jong Un’s movements.
Experts are unsure of what to make of Kim’s absence from any festivities celebrating his grandfather. When North Korean leaders have not shown up to these important celebrations in the past, it has portended major developments. But it has also turned out to be nothing.
Kim Jong Il’s absence from a parade celebrating North Korea’s 60th anniversary in 2008 was followed by rumblings that he was in poor health. It was later revealed he had a stroke, after which his health continued to decline until his death in 2011.
Kim Jong Un disappeared from the public eye for more than a month in 2014, which also prompted speculation about his health. He returned sporting a cane, and days later South Korean intelligence said that he had a cyst removed from his ankle.
“It’s easy to be wrong on this one,” said John Delury, a professor of international relations at Yonsei University in Seoul.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Dennis Rodman during this difficult time.
WIBC host Tony Katz offers commentary on rumors of Kim Jong Un’s possible demise in the clip below.
