No unusual military activity along the 38th parallel. Satellite photos show that the North Korean leader's special train is located in Wonsan. The US continues to say that it has no precise indication on his state of health.
Seoul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - South Korea says the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is "alive and well". Some press reports give him dying. Dismissing rumors that circulated on April 25, the South Korean government claims it has found no unusual military activity along the 38th parallel, the dividing line with the North. The United States continues to say it has no precise indication on Kim's health.
Official media of the Northern regime sent a message today in which Kim thanks the workers who are building a tourist area in the Wonsan region, where satellite analyzes have found the presence of his special train. In recent days, Rodong Sinmun and KCNA have given way to the exchange of diplomatic missives between the leader of Pyongyang and some leaders who have congratulated the 108 years since the birth of his grandfather Kim Il-sung, the founder of Korea of the North.
CNN, citing an anonymous source within the US government, reported on April 20 that Kim is in "serious danger" after a surgical operation. The rumour mill began with an article in the Daily NK, according to which the leader of Pyongyang underwent cardiovascular surgery on April 12th.
Kim has not appeared in public since April 11, when he chaired a high-level meeting of the Workers' Party, which has ruled the country since the end of World War II. According to Reuters, China has sent a group of politicians and doctors to Pyongyang to offer "advice" on Kim's situation. Beijing is the only true partner of North Korea, which Chinese leaders see as a bulwark against American military forces deployed in the South.
In case of succession, the most likely candidate is Kim Yo-jong, the dictator's sister. Of late she often joins her brother in official ceremonies, and gave her first public speech last month. She is viewed as a more moderate leader, who has encouraged relaxation in relations with the Trump administration. . And maybe that's why Chinese diplomats have flocked to Pyongyang.