Even Amid '99% Certain Death' Remarks... North Korea's 'Kim Jong-un Remains Strong'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Ji-eun] On the 2nd, North Korea publicly confirmed the well-being of Chairman Kim Jong-un, dimming the 'Kim Jong-un critical condition rumors' raised by lawmakers of defector origin. Previously, Tae Young-ho, a member-elect of the United Future Party, strongly claimed that it was clear Kim was unable to stand on his own, and Ji Sung-ho, a proportional representative-elect of the Future Korea Party, also asserted a 99% probability of death.

In an interview with CNN on the 27th (local time), Tae stated, "I cannot be certain whether Chairman Kim actually underwent surgery, but one thing is clear: Kim is in a condition where he cannot stand or walk properly on his own," suggesting abnormality in his condition.

He referred to Kim’s absence from the Day of the Sun event on the 15th of last month, which is President Kim Il-sung’s birthday, saying, "It would appear strange to the North Korean people." He also contradicted the government’s position of 'no unusual developments' by posting on Facebook that "the situation in North Korea is not without unusual trends but rather has many highly exceptional points."

In response, Kim Byung-ki, a member of the Democratic Party of Korea, criticized Tae, saying, "How about being more humble and cautious in words and actions, remembering that until a few years ago, you devoted yourself to our enemy? Do you have any meaningful information about Kim Jong-un’s condition that government agencies do not have?" This led to a verbal exchange between the two.

Ji, the member-elect, also expressed certainty about Kim’s death in a media interview on the 1st, stating, "It’s not 100%, but I would say 99% probability," effectively treating the death rumors as fact. He also predicted that North Korea would announce Kim’s death over the weekend.

However, on the morning of the same day, the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun reported that Kim visited the Suncheon Fertilizer Factory on Labor Day, the previous day, and personally cut the ribbon at the completion ceremony, marking Kim’s first public appearance in over 20 days. In the photos they released, Kim was seen standing while cutting the ribbon and smiling brightly as he gave instructions to officials.

Thus, the 'Kim Jong-un condition rumors' raised by defectors-turned-politicians have faded. Attention is now focused on how they will respond to Kim’s condition going forward. Meanwhile, Tae is scheduled to appear on TV Chosun’s 'Gangjeokdeul' at 9:10 PM that evening.