CNN "US Government Monitoring Information on 'Kim Jong-un in Critical Condition After Surgery'" (Comprehensive)

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] The U.S. government is monitoring information that North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un is in serious danger after undergoing surgery, CNN reported on the 20th (local time), citing a U.S. official directly familiar with the matter.

The last time Kim Jong-un appeared in the media was on the 11th, and concerns about his health arose after he did not appear during the visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the 15th, the Day of the Sun (Kim Il-sung's birthday). This was the first time since taking power in 2012 that Kim did not pay respects on the Day of the Sun.

CNN also quoted another government official saying that concerns about Kim's health are credible but it is difficult to assess the severity. CNN requested comments from the CIA, the National Security Council (NSC), and the State Department, but the NSC and the Office of the Director of National Intelligence declined to comment. It added that it has also asked the South Korean government for a response.

Earlier that day, the North Korea-focused media Daily NK reported, citing local sources, that Kim underwent cardiovascular procedures on the 12th at Hyangsan Clinic, a private hospital for the Kim family located in the Myohyangsan area of North Pyongan Province, and is currently receiving treatment while staying at a nearby villa. CNN stated that it was unable to verify this information.

CNN explained that experts are uncertain how to interpret Kim’s absence from the Day of the Sun events. In the past, when North Korean leaders missed important events, it was sometimes seen as a sign of significant developments but later turned out to be nothing serious. However, it was also noted that Kim Jong-un’s father, Kim Jong-il, was absent from the 60th anniversary of the founding of the regime in 2008 due to a stroke, which was revealed later.

CNN described gathering information about North Korean leaders as notoriously difficult and said that they are among the most challenging targets for U.S. intelligence agencies.

Following CNN’s report, the South Korean stock market plunged and the won-dollar exchange rate rose. As of 1:57 p.m. that day, the KOSPI index was trading at 1867.35, down 1.63% from the previous trading day, while the won-dollar exchange rate rose 1.14% to 1234.30.