Where is Kim Jong Un? Know why speculations over his health are rising again

It has been more than a month since Kim Jong Un was seen in public which has triggered concerns over his health, yet again. Health speculations over Kim’s health are rife as the North Korean capital of Pyongyang gears up for mass military parades scheduled this week.

According to South Korean news outlet NK News, on Sunday, the North Korean leader was missing from a crucial Politburo meeting, making it the third such convention skipped by the 39-year-old. As per the report, Kim’s prolonged disappearance from the public’s eye has raised questions regarding his health conditions as it is also his longest-ever break from public appearances since 2014.

In 2014, he was not seen in mass events for 40 days. However, Kim did take shorter breaks in May 2021 and April 2020 from public appearances which also sparked health speculations. Now, the North Korean leader is expected to attend a military parade in Pyongyang as the country’s capital is expected to hold mass military parades commemorating the 75th founding anniversary of the Korean People’s Army.




In the past, Kim Jong Un has used such events to reiterate his country’s nuclear power and missile program. Since acquiring the power as North Korea’s supreme leader, Kim has gone missing multiple times. In 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic was peaking globally, Kim was away from the public eye but did attend significant political activities. Even in 2021, Kim was missing from state media for around 20 days before reappearing without any explanation given by North Korean state media.

Kim Jong Un’s three-week disappearance in 2020 triggered health speculations including some reports stating that he underwent heart surgery. The rumours were laid to rest after he attended a ceremony marking the opening of a fertilizer plant.

While it is still unclear if Kim would attend the military parades in Pyongyang which would reportedly be held on Tuesday or Wednesday, it would be interesting to watch. If he attends, Kim is reportedly expected to use the event to showcase the latest hardware from his growing nuclear weapons and missile programme.

FAQs:

1. Who is Kim Jong Un?
   Kim Jong Un is North Korea’s supreme leader.
2. How old is Kim Jong Un?
   39 years.