Northern Broadcasting, Production Dispelling Health Rumors
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Suncheon Fertilizer Plant on May 1, Labor Day, according to a report by Korean Central Television on the 2nd. Inside the plant, Chairman Kim is seen smoking a cigarette and conversing while placing an ashtray. North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong-un, who had been surrounded by rumors of death and health issues, was observed smoking continuously on the 2nd after reappearing following 20 days of absence.
North Korea's Korean Central Television (KCTV) reported on the activities of Kim's attendance at the inauguration ceremony of the Suncheon Fertilizer Factory held the previous day, broadcasting a video from 3:10 PM to 3:25 PM for about 15 minutes.
This followed the release of photos earlier that morning through print media such as the Korean Central News Agency and Rodong Sinmun.
Unlike print media, which usually releases photos of Kim's public activities the next morning, KCTV often only releases still photos due to video editing time or broadcasts videos late in the evening. However, on this day, the video was released relatively quickly from the first broadcast.
In the video, Kim's face appeared slightly swollen compared to usual but did not show any significant differences. He actively gave instructions to officials during the local inspection and occasionally showed a broad smile.
His walking was not brisk, but it was difficult to conclude that his movement was impaired.
North Korean State Affairs Commission Chairman Kim Jong Un attended the completion ceremony of the Suncheon Fertilizer Factory on May 1, Labor Day, according to a report by Korean Central Television on the 2nd. Contrary to rumors about his health issues, Chairman Kim was seen walking well on his own without anyone's support.
Notably, he was seen smoking several times. Smoking had been cited as a major basis for the health rumors surrounding Kim over the past 20 days.
These scenes are evaluated as an intention to dismiss external speculations about problems with Kim's health.
Although not mentioned in North Korean media reports, the video also captured Hyun Song-wol, the Party Propaganda and Agitation Department Vice Director, who acts as a sort of protocol secretary.
Hyun was seen removing Kim's chair at the inauguration ceremony and closely accompanying him during his movements.
Kim Chol-gyu, Deputy Commander of the Guard Command responsible for Kim's security, was present at the site wearing a black mask.
Additionally, a vehicle appearing to be a luxury SUV from the Japanese brand Lexus was intermittently spotted in the video, presumed to have been used by Kim when moving to and from the inauguration site.
Meanwhile, claims that it is premature to conclude that Kim has no health problems still persist.
Ji Sung-ho, a defector and elected proportional representative member of the Future Korea Party, said on the 2nd regarding Kim's public appearance signaling his vitality, "We should not hastily conclude that Kim Jong-un has no health issues and should observe further."
Ji had previously stated on the day before, "I am 99% certain of Kim Jong-un's death," mentioning the timing as "last weekend," and predicted an official announcement from North Korea this weekend.
Future United Party member-elect Tae Yong-ho said in a statement on the same day, "The analysis suggesting that Kim Jong-un is in a condition where he finds it difficult to move on his own appears to have been somewhat off the mark."
Earlier, on the 28th of last month, Tae had told CNN in an interview without providing specific evidence, "One thing is clear: Kim is in a state where he cannot stand up or walk properly on his own."
While acknowledging his error regarding the 'Kim Jong-un health rumors,' Tae raised additional questions.
He said, "But was Kim Jong-un really without any health issues over the past 20 days? This curiosity arises from the vehicle appearing behind Kim in the photos released today by North Korea."
He added, "When Kim Jong-il suffered a stroke in 2008 and had difficulty walking even short distances, the vehicle he used during local guidance reappeared, and seeing that, my doubts were not completely erased."
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