Kim Jong Un has made his first public appearance in 20 days amid speculation about his health. The North Korean leader cut the ribbon at the opening of a fertiliser factory in Sunchon at a ceremony with other senior officials. These included his sister Kim Yo Jong, who many analysts predict would take over if her brother is suddenly unable to rule. South Korea’s government, which has a mixed record of tracking Pyongyang’s ruling elite, repeatedly downplayed speculation that Mr Kim, believed to be 36, was in poor health following surgery. In 2014, Kim vanished from the public eye for nearly six weeks and then reappeared with a cane.

Source: Irish Independent May 02, 2020 00:56 UTC