Yoon Sang-hyun: "Rumors of Kim Jong-un's Critical Condition Are 'Baseless' According to Government... However, North Korea Shows Clear Abnormal Signs"

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] Yoon Sang-hyun, Chairman of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, stated that although the government has denied rumors about North Korean Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un's critical condition after surgery as 'groundless,' it is true that there are abnormal signs within North Korea.

At a press conference held at the National Assembly Communication Office on the 21st, Chairman Yoon said, "The government says it is groundless, and the Blue House also says there is nothing to report, but considering various surrounding circumstances, there are abnormal signs regarding Chairman Kim's health."

He added, "According to multiple insiders familiar with the matter, some mention an ankle issue, others talk about COVID-19, but commonly, they mention cardiovascular disease. Considering recent military situations such as the lockdown in Pyongyang, it is not to the extent that it can be definitively called groundless."

Chairman Yoon said, "Personally, it seems correct that Chairman Kim underwent cardiovascular treatment. The Supreme People's Assembly was postponed from the 10th to the 12th, yet he did not attend, and he also did not attend the Day of the Sun on the 15th. Considering various situations, it is true that there are signs enough to raise concerns about Chairman Kim's condition."

Accordingly, the National Assembly plans to hold a Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee meeting around next Tuesday. Chairman Yoon said, "There are many issues to discuss, including the South Korea-US defense cost-sharing and North Korean matters."

Meanwhile, at the press conference, Chairman Yoon emphasized, "A system for inter-Korean cooperation on COVID-19 should be established," and "Support for quarantine medical supplies and dispatch of medical personnel should be considered."

He stated, "International health organizations are promoting medical support to North Korea, which is facing a humanitarian crisis, and approval for exemption from UN sanctions on COVID-19 related aid materials to North Korea has also been obtained. Inter-Korean authorities should broadly establish quarantine cooperation, and especially considering the urgency, I hope the inter-Korean authorities will communicate and make decisions quickly and act promptly."