Kim Jong Ill?

36-year old North Korean leader Kim Jong-un is supposed to have undergone cardiovascular surgery, post which there have been rumors of his health deterioration. North Korean media hasn’t spoken about the whereabouts of Kim.

Crux of the Matter

Is He Really Ill? Reports of the health of North Korean leader cannot be verified at present. Daily NK, a Seoul-based website said that Kim had undergone cardiovascular surgery. Since then there have been a lot of rumors about his health condition. In 2014, Kim didn’t appear in public for 1 month. Later South Korean intelligence disclosed that he had a cyst operation in his ankle. Fuelling the speculation about Kim’s health was his absence in the celebration of the birth anniversary of North Korea’s founder Kim II-sung, Kim’s grandfather. CNN reported that Kim was in grave danger and the US was monitoring the situation. A day after the CNN report, Pentagon said that Kim was in full control of the Korean military and nuclear arsenal. South Korea said they found no unusual activity in NK. If Kim Jong-un’s health is serious, then it will directly disturb the geopolitical equilibrium of the region. A refugee crisis or civil war may break out in NK. Lack of a clear successor or heir could act as a catalyst in escalating political upheaval. If Kim passes way unannounced, his sister Kim Yo Jong could become his successor as she has joined Kim Jong-un in several high profile meetings. However, given the patriarchal, male-dominated leadership structure in NK, some say she may not become incumbent.

Curiopedia

1. Kim Jong-un’s grandfather Kim II-sung was the founder of North Korea, which he ruled from the country’s establishment in 1948 until his death in 1994. He was the third longest-serving non-royal head of state/government in the 20th century, in office for more than 45 years.

2. Kim Jong-nam was the eldest son of North Korean leader Kim Jong-il, who was the second ruler of NK from 1994-2011. From roughly 1994 to 2001, he was considered the heir but he fell out of favor after embarrassing the regime in 2001 with a failed attempt to visit Tokyo Disneyland with a false passport.

3. Prior to 1945, South Korea and North Korea were one nation (Korea) annexed by Japan. Japan’s control ended by the end of World War II and got divided into North and South Korea.

Curated Coverage

1. MoneyControl – North Korean media silent on Kim’s whereabouts as speculation on health rages

2. New York Post – Death of Kim Jong Un could create refugee crisis, require military response

3. News18 – Days after Rumours of His Ill-health, Pentagon Says Kim Jong-un Still in ‘Full Control’ of North Korean Military

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