Where Exactly Was Kim Jong-un of North Korea?

Kim Jong-un of North Korea
Kim Jong-un of North Korea

Kim Jong-un, the supreme leader of the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (North Korea), has appeared again after six weeks of mysterious absence, the state media reported today.

Reports suggest that Kim was walking with a cane, as he has been suffering from multiple ailments such as gout and diabetes because of his obesity.

He was last seen with his wife on September 3 when they were attending a concert. His absence had led to numerous rumors ranging from coup against him to serious health problems.

According to a Tuesday report in KCNA Watch, a news site focused on North Korea, Kim was pictured giving field guidance to the newly built Wisong Scientists Residential District. The report did not mention the date of his latest appearance.

It’s reported that Kim, 31, who is the most powerful man in North Korea, is not able to walk because of gout – a kind of arthritis or painful disease of the joints. It has affected his knee forcing him to walk with the help of a supporting stick.

Although Kim is believed to be still under medical treatment, he appeared publicly just to put an end to the rising speculations about his absence.

A CNN report has quoted Dr. Kim So-Yeon, the former personal doctor to Kim’s grandfather Kim Il Sung, who said that Kim inherited a number of health issues, including psychological problems and a history of obesity. She told CNN both Kim Il Sung and Kim’s father Kim Jong Il suffered from diabetes, heart problems, and stress.

It’s reported that Kim Jong-un is married to Ri Sol-ju and they have a little daughter whose date of birth is not confirmed.

Photo: Screen grab from the CNN video

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Rakesh Raman