Supreme Leader of North Korea Kim Jong Un may be receiving further treatment after undergoing heart surgery, according to Reuters.
Kim’s last public appearance was earlier this month at a politburo meeting, but the leader missed a public celebration of the birthday of Kim Il Sung, Kim’s grandfather. Kim’s absence led to speculation about his health.
“My understanding is that he had been struggling [with heart problems] since last August but it worsened after repeated visits to Mount Paektu,” an anonymous source told Daily NK, a North Korean news site.
Sources report that Kim’s health situation was exacerbated by obesity, stress and heavy smoking.
North Korea has recently begun to admit coronavirus cases exist in the country, telling residents only three cases have been acknowledged.
In February, North Korea closed its borders in order to mitigate the spread of coronavirus. “In case the infectious disease spreading beyond control finds its way into our country, it will entail serious consequences,” Kim reportedly said at a February meeting with leaders of the Workers’ Party. “No special cases must be allowed within the state anti-epidemic system.”.
This is a developing story and will be updated.
