Kim Jong Un Has COVID-19? Debate Around His Mystery Illness Intensifies While South Korea Refute Claims

An intelligence has claimed that North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un is in a critical condition. Kim did undergo a cardiac surgery earlier in April and his health is said to have deteriorated recently due to the procedure.

The U.S. is said to be closely monitoring the situation on Kim’s health. The speculation surrounding Kim’s clinical status started after he missed attending his grandfather’s birthday on April 15. He was last seen publicly on April 11 as he attended a government meeting.

A US official told the media on Monday that the information regarding Kim’s health is official. However, the severity of the condition is hard to assess and therefore, nothing can be commented on that until credible information is available.

Kim received a cardiovascular system due to underlying health conditions caused due to obesity, excessive smoking and stress related to work. He is currently being treated at Hyangsan County.

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Presidential Blue House representatives claimed that they cannot confirm reports on Kim’s health and “no unusual signs” have been reported inside North Korea. The Unification Ministry and Defense Ministry in South Korea, on the other hand, refused to comment on either confirmation or denial related to the claims.

North Korean leaders not showing up for important events in the past has been a sign of a major development. For example, Kim Jong Il's absence from North Korea’s 60^th anniversary parade triggered rumors about his health. Later, it was revealed that he had suffered from a stroke.

"There have been a number of recent rumors about Kim's health (smoking, heart, and brain). If Kim is hospitalized, it would explain why he wasn't present on the important April 15th celebrations," said Bruce Klingner the former CIA deputy division chief for North Korea. "But, over the years, there have been a number of false health rumors about Kim Jong-un or his father. We'll have to wait and see."

Meanwhile, the debate surrounding Kim’s health has intensified in the media with a few even mentioning the possibility of him contracting COVID-19.

While some even claiming that he has already been declared brain dead.