North Korea’s state media claimed late Friday that Kim Jong Un appeared in public – a first in nearly three weeks.
The Korean Central News Agency said Kim appeared alongside his sister, Kim Jo Jong, and other top officials at a ceremony for the completed construction of a Suncheon fertilizer factory.
However, no photos or videos were provided with the release.
On his way to Camp David late Friday, President Trump told reporters, “I’d rather not comment on it yet — Kim Jong Un. We’ll have something to say about it at the appropriate time.”
President Trump: “I’d rather not comment on it yet — Kim Jong Un. We’ll have something to say about it at the appropriate time.”
DEVELOPING: Kim Jong Un makes first public appearance in 20 days amid speculation over health https://t.co/HWn4JeRDq6 pic.twitter.com/5UecbsdWMm
— The Hill (@thehill) May 1, 2020
On both Monday and Thursday, Trump told reporters he had “a very good idea” about Kim Jong Un and “understands what’s going on” but said he “can’t talk about it right now.”
President Trump is asked if he has an update on Kim Jong Un’s condition:
“I understand what’s going on, and I just can’t talk about Kim Jong Un right now. I just hope everything is going to be fine.” https://t.co/9T8aUPjUrs pic.twitter.com/rQqpjZmwxS
— CBS News (@CBSNews) April 30, 2020
Kim’s alleged attendance marks the first time he attended a public event in 20 days. His last appearance was on April 11 at a government meeting to discuss coronavirus efforts.
When Kim was noticeably absent days later for the April 15 anniversary celebration for Kim Il Sung – Kim’s grandfather and state founder – speculation of his health and rumors of his alleged death soon followed.
South Korean Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo said last week that North Korea has suddenly increased its military activity.
Jeong said North Korea “has been heightening military tensions through an unusual increase in the inspection activities for its combat readiness posture, mostly of its artillery, and in its air force planes’ flight operations.”
South Korean officials also downplayed rumors of Kim’s allegedly deteriorating health or death, however.
Kang Min Seok, a spokesman for President Moon Jae, said, “There is nothing we can confirm with regard to Chairman Kim’s alleged health problem.” Another South Korean official called the rumors “simply untrue.”
Vice Chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. John Hyten also told reporters last that the U.S. had seen no intelligence reports to support the rumors about Kim.
“I assume Kim Jong Un is still in full control of the Korean nuclear force and the Korean military forces,” Hyten said.
The KCNA has also recently claimed Kim sent greetings to the leaders of Syria, Cuba and South Africa, and messages of thanks to his country’s workers.
