Kim Jong-un Critical Condition Rumors End as 'Unprecedented Happening'?

Cheongwadae "No Unusual Movements in North Korea"
Chinese Side "Kim Jong-un Is Not Critically Ill"
However, There Seem to Be Signs of Health Issues

North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un supervised an artillery firing competition of the Western Front Large Combined Unit on March 20 and instructed the strengthening of artillery unit training in accordance with the situation, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 21st. Kim's appearance was revealed by Central TV on the 21st.

On the 21st, the 'rumors of North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un's critical condition,' which shocked the world, were denied by government authorities and experts worldwide, increasing the likelihood that this will be recorded as a 'historic-level misunderstanding.' Although there is a strong possibility of health abnormalities due to circumstances such as Kim not appearing recently, opinions are converging that he is not in a critical state.

Kang Min-seok, spokesperson for the Blue House, stated in a message to reporters that day, "There is nothing to confirm regarding the rumors about Chairman Kim's health," adding, "So far, no unusual movements have been identified inside North Korea."

A Chinese Communist Party United Front Work Department official was reported by major foreign media on the same day as saying, "I understand that Chairman Kim is not currently in critical condition." The United Front Work Department is China's key communication channel with North Korea.

Experts on North Korea have also questioned the rumors of Kim's critical condition. Harry Kazianis, director of the Center for National Interest (CNI) in the U.S., tweeted, "CNN's report that Chairman Kim is in critical condition has serious flaws," pointing out that it is "an article relying on a single source (low reliability)." He strongly criticized, "An article relying on only one source is not an article but garbage."

Unlike the noisy overseas reaction, Pyongyang also appears calm as usual. NK News, a U.S.-based North Korea specialist media, quoted local sources saying, "Amid rumors about Chairman Kim's health issues, daily life in Pyongyang is no different from usual."

On the 12th, Chosun Central TV reported photos from the Workers' Party Political Bureau meeting held the previous day at the Central Committee Headquarters. Kim Jong Un, Chairman of the State Affairs Commission, is raising his right hand.

However, while the possibility that Chairman Kim is in a critical state is low, it seems clear that there are signs of health abnormalities.

Yoon Sang-hyun, member of the National Assembly Foreign Affairs and Unification Committee, said at a press conference held at the National Assembly communication office that day, "The government says it is groundless, and the Blue House says there is nothing to report," but added, "Considering various surrounding circumstances, there are signs of health abnormalities in Chairman Kim."

He said, "After hearing from multiple insiders familiar with the matter, some mention an ankle problem regarding Kim's recent absence, others mention COVID-19, but commonly, cardiovascular disease is being discussed."

Yoon, expressing his personal opinion, said, "It seems true that Chairman Kim underwent cardiovascular treatment," citing his absence from the Supreme People's Assembly on the 12th and from the visit to the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on the 15th as evidence. He added, "Considering various situations, it is true that there are signs enough to raise rumors about Chairman Kim's condition."

Reports also emerged that Chairman Kim underwent cardiovascular surgery and is recovering. Daily NK, a North Korea specialist media, reported citing local sources that Kim received cardiovascular treatment on the 12th at Hyangsan Clinic, a private hospital for the Kim family located in the Myohyangsan area of North Pyongan Province, and is recuperating at a nearby villa.

Chairman Kim's grandfather, President Kim Il-sung, and father, National Defense Commission Chairman Kim Jong-il, both died of acute myocardial infarction. In particular, Chairman Kim Jong-il, who enjoyed smoking and drinking, suffered from diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.

North Korea held a Workers' Party Political Bureau meeting chaired by Chairman Kim Jong Un on the 11th, the Korean Central News Agency reported on the 12th. A total of 27 people, including Chairman Kim, attended the roundtable meeting.

Meanwhile, this is not the first time rumors about Chairman Kim's health have surfaced. When Kim did not attend the 2nd session of the 13th Supreme People's Assembly in September 2014 and did not pay respects at the Kumsusan Palace of the Sun on October 10, as he did every year, rumors circulated that "Chairman Kim had fallen into a brain-dead state."

However, about 40 days later, Kim dispelled the rumors by appearing publicly during an on-site inspection of the Pyongyang Scientist Residential District. At that time, the National Intelligence Service revealed that Kim had undergone surgery to remove a cyst on his ankle during the period he was not seen.