Upending speculation over his health and existence, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reportedly appeared in public for the first time since 12 April. According to the country’s state-run media, Kim attended an event to celebrate May Day, where he inaugurated a fertilizer factory in the capital.
The report put Kim’s inaugural words as “When the Sunction Phospatic Fertilizer Manufacturing Plant goes into operation, it will represent a historical development in our country’s fertilizer industry. It will be a glorious revolution and a splendid display of our nation’s great economic potential, and it will be an uplifting banner that assures us of the achievements of our country’s general economic frontline.”
The news agency also released a still photograph purportedly showing Kim at the ceremony. The picture shows him cutting a red ribbon, with his sister Yo-jong in the backdrop. The picture however, does not carry authentication or date when it was shot. the news of Kim being “well and alive” was reported by South Korea on Sunday.
US President Donald Trump meanwhile, declined to comment on on the May Day appearance report saying “I’d rather not comment on it yet. We’ll have something to say about it at the appropriate time.”
Speculation began on 15 April, when Kim missed the all-important Korean even – the birthday of his grandfather, the North Korea’s founder Kim II-sung. A defector website Daily NK, funded by a US think tank and known to provide credible reports, came out with his up to-then-undisclosed heart surgery and said the leader was recovering.
Media around the world chased the trail with some citing intelligence sources on news of Kim being “gravely ill” or dead. Two weeks into speculation, South Korea said it did not notice any “unusual activities” to suggest Kim might be very ill. China put it its share of oil into the rumour mill however. US remained largely wary and reluctant to endorse.
According to media analysts, the recent rumours, like in the past three decades, would have its origin from within the North Korea itself - the world’s most isolated and secretive country, reporting from where is notoriously difficult.
